Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates & Timings in India

• Start Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025
• End Date (Sarva Pitru Amavasya): Sunday, 21 September 2025
• Daily Shraddha Muhurat: The most auspicious time is usually "Kutup Muhurat" (between 12:00PM and 1:00PM).

What is Pitru Paksha and Its Importance in Sanatan Dharma

Pitru Paksha ("Fortnight of Ancestors") is a 16-day period in Hindu tradition dedicated to honoring and pacifying one’s ancestors through food offerings and prayers. According to Sanatan (eternal) Dharma, these rituals fulfill the "Pitru Rin"—a sacred debt owed to ancestors. 

The Garuda Purana highlights that rituals like Shraddha and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha bring three generations of ancestors peace and potentially liberate their souls (moksha), ensuring their blessings upon living family members.

What Happens During Pitru Paksha?

During this period, families:

Perform Shraddha rituals at home or in pilgrimage towns, offering food, water (Tarpan), rice balls (Pind Daan), and prayers to ancestors.

Invoke and honor ancestors by reciting special mantras, setting up altars with photos, and meditating on their blessings.

Feed crows, cows, dogs, and donate food to Brahmins or the needy—these acts are said to help offerings reach ancestors and generate positive karma.

Practice simplicity and devotion, abstaining from celebrations, gifts, and luxury during Pitru Paksha.

This ritual fulfills the ancient debt (Pitru Rin) owed to ancestors, seeking their peace and blessings for the living family, as prescribed in Sanatan Dharma traditions.

Why is It Important?

• Karmic Duty: Repaying the Pitru Rin (ancestral debt) is a foundational aspect of Sanatan Dharma.
• Spiritual Gains: Rituals help cleanse personal and ancestral karma.
• Gateway to Ancestral Blessings: The spiritual veil is thin, making it easier for blessings to flow.
• Pitru Dosh Remedy: Satisfying ancestors is believed to remove obstacles and disharmony in the family.

Puja Samagri (Shraddha Essentials) for Pitru Paksha

Here is a complete list of items typically required for home Shraddha rituals:

• White cloth (for altar and performer)
• Pot of pure water (preferably Ganga jal)
• Raw rice and cooked rice (for pind daan)
• Black sesame seeds (til)
• Barley (jau) and kusha grass (darbha)
• Flowers, sweets, fruits
• Lamp (diya)
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• Picture/photo of ancestors
• Roli, sindoor, small betel nut (supari)
• Thread (janeu), turmeric, honey, ghee
• Matchstick
• Cow's milk, curd, clarified butter (ghee)
• Tarpan utensils (silver or copper)

Mantras to Chant for Pitru Paksha Rituals

Chanting these mantras ensures spiritual efficacy during Shraddha:

Pitru Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ पितृगणाय विद्महे जगत धारिणी धीमहि तन्नो पितृ प्रचोदयात्

Additional Powerful Mantras:

ॐ पितृ देवतायै नम:।

ॐ देवताभ्य: पितृभ्यश्च महायोगिभ्य एव च। नम: स्वाहायै स्वधायै नित्यमेव नमो नम:।

ॐ आगच्छन्तु में पितर एवं ग्रहन्तु जलान्जलिम।

ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय च धीमहि तन्नो रुद्र: प्रचोदयात।

You may recite specific mantras naming your ancestors, e.g., "गोत्रे अस्मतपिता (पितरों का नाम) शर्मा वसुरूपत् तृप्यतमिदं तिलोदकम"

Dress Code and Direction for Worship

Dress:

Simple, traditional, and clean attire is recommended.

Men should wear a plain dhoti (preferably white) and perform rituals bare-chested, with the sacred thread (janeu) changed as required by the ritual. Avoid new or flashy clothing as it symbolizes new beginnings, which are not auspicious for Shraddha.

Women (if performing) should wear simple sarees (white, pale, or yellow shades are preferred).

Direction:

Rituals are performed facing south—considered the direction of ancestors (Pitru disha).

Key Guidelines:

Avoid personal grooming activities like cutting hair or nails.

Don’t host any celebrations; opt for sattvic (vegetarian, simple) food.

Involve all family members for collective spiritual benefit.

Step-by-Step Shraddha Ritual at Home

• Clean yourself and your home.
• Set up a simple altar with ancestor’s photos and puja samagri.
• Face south and sit on a clean white cloth.
• Invoke ancestors with mantras.
• Offer pind daan (rice balls), til, jal (water), and tarpan.
• Chant mantras with sincerity.
• Donate food to crows, cows, dogs, or needy people.
• End with prayers for peace and moksha of ancestors.

What Happens During Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a spiritually significant 16-day period in the lunar calendar, dedicated to honoring ancestors through Shraddha (ritual offerings), prayers, and acts of charity. During this period, families:

Perform Shraddha rituals at home or in pilgrimage towns, offering food, water (Tarpan), rice balls (Pind Daan), and prayers to ancestors.

Invoke and honor ancestors by reciting special mantras, setting up altars with photos, and meditating on their blessings.

Feed crows, cows, dogs, and donate food to Brahmins or the needy—these acts are said to help offerings reach ancestors and generate positive karma.

Practice simplicity and devotion, abstaining from celebrations, gifts, and luxury during Pitru Paksha.

This ritual fulfills the ancient debt (Pitru Rin) owed to ancestors, seeking their peace and blessings for the living family, as prescribed in Sanatan Dharma traditions.

What Not to Do During Pitru Paksha

To maintain spiritual purity and respect the solemnity of this period, follow these important don’ts:

No auspicious ceremonies or new beginnings: Avoid marriages, engagements, housewarmings, buying new vehicles, or celebrating birthdays.

No non-vegetarian food or alcohol: Only simple, sattvic (vegetarian) meals should be consumed. Spices and onion-garlic are often restricted.

No haircuts, shaving, or nail cutting: Personal grooming is avoided as it symbolizes celebration and detachment from ancestors.

Don’t indulge in lavish festivities: Refrain from parties, get-togethers, and elaborate entertainment.

No wastage of food: All food prepared should be offered, shared, or donated.

Don’t disrespect rituals: Participate with sincerity, silence, and collective family involvement. Maintain ritual purity and respect throughout.

Let mypujapandit Help You

Want to ensure every detail is perfect? Book a certified priest or get expert virtual guidance from mypujapandit for personalized Shraddha rituals, complete samagri kits, and digital reminders for Pitru Paksha 2025. 

Book your Shraddha today for peace and ancestral blessings!