Pitru Paksha 2025: Honoring Ancestors During Bhadrapada Masam

In Hindu tradition, remembrance of ancestors is not just a ritual – it is a sacred duty, a bridge between generations, and a way of acknowledging the eternal cycle of life. Every year, during the Bhadrapada Masam, Hindus observe Pitru Paksha, a fortnight dedicated to performing Shraddha rituals, Tarpan, and Pind Daan to honor their forefathers. In 2025, Pitru Paksha holds special significance as families across India and the world will come together to express gratitude to their lineage.

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Pitru Paksha Dates 2025

According to the Hindu Panchang, Pitru Paksha in 2025 will begin on:
September 8, 2025 (Monday) and end on September 22, 2025 (Monday).

This two-week period falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Bhadrapada Masam, immediately after the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Performing Shraddha during this period is believed to liberate ancestors’ souls and bring blessings, prosperity, and peace to the family.

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The Spiritual Importance of Shraddha

The word Shraddha itself comes from Shraddhā (faith and devotion). It signifies an offering made with love, remembrance, and humility. The core idea is not just feeding Brahmins or performing rituals but establishing a deep connection with one’s ancestors.

According to Garuda Purana, those who perform Shraddha with devotion ensure that their Pitru (ancestors) attain peace in the higher realms, and in turn, they shower blessings upon their descendants.

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Rituals of Pitru Paksha

1. Tarpan – Offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass while chanting mantras for the ancestors. This symbolizes purification and nourishment of the departed souls.
2. Pind Daan – Rice balls mixed with black sesame, barley, and ghee are offered as symbolic food for the ancestors. It is believed that through Pind Daan, the soul receives satisfaction and liberation.
3. Anna Daan (Food Donation) – Feeding Brahmins, the needy, and even animals like cows, crows, and dogs is considered an essential part of Shraddha. The belief is that ancestors accept these offerings through these beings.

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Stories from Scriptures on Ancestor Worship

1. The Story of Karna from Mahabharata

One of the most famous tales highlighting the importance of Shraddha is that of Karna. After his death in the Mahabharata war, Karna reached heaven but was offered gold and jewels instead of food. Surprised, he asked Yama, the God of Death, why he was deprived of food. Yama revealed that though Karna was charitable in his life, he never donated food in honor of his ancestors. Therefore, he suffered hunger after death.
Realizing this, Karna was granted permission to return to earth for 15 days to offer food to Brahmins and the needy. This period later came to be observed as Pitru Paksha.

2. Bhishma’s Guidance

It is said that Bhishma Pitamah, lying on the bed of arrows, narrated the significance of Pitru rituals to the Pandavas. He stressed that remembering one’s forefathers ensures dharmic prosperity and keeps the lineage blessed.

3. The Story of Rishi Atri

In ancient scriptures, Rishi Atri emphasized that by offering even a simple glass of water with devotion to one’s ancestors, a person earns immense merit, greater than performing elaborate yajnas.

These stories highlight how deeply ancestor worship is woven into Hindu dharma.

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Devotional Practices During Bhadrapada Shraddha

• Wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and wear clean, simple clothes.
• Prepare a meal with sattvic (pure) food – usually rice, ghee, milk, honey, and black sesame seeds.
• Offer Tarpan and Pind Daan while chanting mantras under the guidance of a priest or as per family tradition.
• Feed Brahmins, children, cows, crows, and dogs.
• Maintain a calm, grateful, and prayerful mind throughout the day.

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Why Pitru Paksha is Essential in Modern Times

In today’s fast-paced life, where families are spread across the globe, Pitru Paksha acts as a reminder of our roots. Just as we celebrate festivals for deities like Diwali or Navaratri, Pitru Paksha ensures that we do not forget those who gave us life, values, and heritage.

Many families, especially NRIs, perform online Shraddha services through temples in Gaya (Bihar), Haridwar, and Varanasi. This shows that even in modern times, the bond with ancestors is unbroken.

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Important Pitru Paksha Shraddha Sites

• Gaya, Bihar – Considered the holiest site for Pind Daan, mentioned in Garuda Purana.
• Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – Where devotees perform Tarpan on the banks of the Ganga.
• Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – The city of Lord Shiva where Shraddha grants liberation.
• Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) – Sacred coastal town for performing Shraddha rituals.

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Conclusion

Pitru Paksha 2025, falling in Bhadrapada Masam, is not just about rituals but about honoring the eternal chain of life. By performing Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and food donations, one not only helps ancestors attain peace but also ensures blessings for future generations.

As the scriptures say – “When ancestors are satisfied, the gods are pleased; when gods are pleased, prosperity showers upon the family.”

This year, let us embrace Pitru Paksha with devotion, gratitude, and faith, making it a true offering of love to our forefathers.