In 2025, Shradh Paksha (Pitru Paksha) will begin on 7th September (Sunday) and continue till 21st September (Sunday). The last day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, will be observed on 21st September. During this period, devotees perform rituals like Tarpan, Pinddaan, Panchbali Karma, and Brahmin Bhojan to honor their ancestors.
Performing these rituals is believed to liberate ancestors from worldly bonds, remove Pitru Dosh, and clear life's obstacles.
Best Time to Perform Shradh
Between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Shradh Samagri list
Food Items: Rice, lentils, vegetables (pumpkin, gourd, arbi), milk, curd, ghee, honey, jaggery, black sesame seeds, barley (yava). Some families also prepare kheer.
Other Items: Earthen pot (kalash), new clothes (donation for Brahmins), mat/aasan, fruits, sweets, dakshina (money), copper lota, banana leaves or pattal, and vessels for tarpan.
Pitru Tarpan Vidhi
1. Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
2. Wear a Kush ring (Pavitri).
3. Fill a copper pot with water, adding black sesame and barley.
4. Sit or stand facing south.
5. Perform Dev Tarpan (facing east) using the tips of four fingers.
6. Now perform Rishi Tarpan (facing north) through the region below the little finger.
7. Finally Perform Pitru Tarpan (facing south, with janeu on the right shoulder) through the region between index finger and thumb, while chanting the names of ancestors along with your gotra.
8. If names are not remembered, offer tarpan for "unknown ancestors of my clan."
Pitru Tarpan Mantra
Om Tarpayami Pitran, Pitran Tarpayami...
Meaning: "I offer this tarpan to my ancestors, may they be satisfied."
If you know the name and Gotra of your ancestors, you can chant this mantra:
Pinddaan is performed after 12 noon (Kutap Kaal) on the chosen tithi.
It is performed on riverbanks or at home, facing south.
Make pindas using barley or rice flour, black sesame, and honey/jaggery.
Number of pindas is generally 1, 3, 5, or 7.
Wear a kush ring (Pavitri) in the finger of your right hand and janeu on the right shoulder.
Place pindas on banana leaves or plate. Light a agarbatti and diya.
Pour Gangajal and place a Tulsi leaf on each pinda.
Offer water on each pinda and recite mantras while remembering ancestors.
After reciting the mantra, pray to the ancestors with folded hands to accept this food and keep their blessings.
Finally, immerse the pindas in a river, or feed them to cows or crows.
Pind Daan Mantra:
Idam Pindam Tebhyah Swadha…..
Meaning: "This pind is for (ancestors), may they accept it."
Spiritual Significance
According to the Yajurveda, these rituals help ancestors attain higher realms and prosperity, while ensuring peace and blessings for their descendants. Shradh rituals are therefore not just a duty but an expression of gratitude, respect, and continuity of tradition.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
