In Hindu culture, Pitru Paksha is considered a sacred period dedicated to honoring ancestors. Families perform rituals, offer food, and pray for the peace of their departed loved ones. This period of devotion is also known as Shradh and holds great spiritual importance. In 2025, millions of devotees will observe Pitru Paksha with faith and devotion across India.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha, also called Shradh Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar when rituals are performed for ancestors. Devotees believe that by offering food, water, and prayers, they ensure peace and blessings from their forefathers. The ceremonies are collectively called pitru paksha puja or pitru pooja.
It is believed that during this time, the souls of ancestors visit the earth, and performing rituals helps liberate them and bless the family with prosperity, harmony, and spiritual growth for future generations.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Dates & Time
Devotees often search for the pitru paksha starting date and ending date to plan rituals in advance.
- Pitru Paksha Starting Date 2025: Sunday, 7 September 2025
- What is the last day of Pitru Paksha 2025? Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Duration: 15 days (from Purnima Shradh to Sarva Pitru Amavasya)
So, when is Pitru Paksha in 2025? It will be observed from 7 September to 21 September 2025 across India.
Rituals of Pitru Paksha (Shradh)
The rituals of pitru paksh shraddh are followed with devotion across India. The most common practices include:
- Tarpan (Water Offering): Devotees offer water mixed with sesame seeds to their ancestors.
- Pind Daan (Food Offering): Rice balls, kheer, and other sattvic food are offered for the souls’ peace.
- Feeding the Poor & Cows: It is considered auspicious to offer food to Brahmins, cows, and needy people.
- Daily Prayers: Families recite mantras and perform pitru paksha puja at home or holy places like Gaya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Haridwar.
Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is not just about performing age-old rituals — it is a time of gratitude, remembrance, and family bonding. Through pitru pooja, devotees honor their forefathers and strengthen the spiritual connection with them. It is believed that when these rituals are performed sincerely, ancestors bless their descendants with happiness and prosperity.
By observing pitru paksha puja, families:
- Pay respect to their ancestors and express gratitude for their guidance and legacy.
- Seek forgiveness for mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly.
- Invite blessings for good health, prosperity, peace, and harmony within the family.
Hindus believe that neglecting these rituals may cause Pitru Dosha (ancestral imbalance), while sincere Shradh offerings bring peace to departed souls.
Important Places for Pitru Paksha Shradh
- Gaya (Bihar): The Most Sacred Place for Pind Daan: Gaya is considered the holiest destination for performing Pind Daan during Pitru Paksha. According to Hindu belief, offering Shradh rituals at the Vishnupad Temple on the banks of the Falgu River ensures salvation for ancestors. Thousands of devotees from India and abroad visit Gaya every year during this period.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The City of Spiritual Liberation: Known as Kashi, Varanasi is regarded as the city of Lord Shiva and is deeply connected with the cycle of life and death. Performing pitru paksh shraddh rituals here, especially at Pishach Mochan Kund and along the banks of the Ganga, is believed to help ancestors attain moksha (liberation).
- Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Purification at the Ganga River: Haridwar is one of the most sacred places in Hinduism, where the holy river Ganga enters the plains. Performing Shradh rituals here, particularly at Har Ki Pauri, is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and bring peace to ancestors. Pilgrims gather in large numbers during Pitru Paksha for tarpan and pitru pooja.
- Nashik (Maharashtra): Shradh on the Banks of Godavari: Nashik, an ancient pilgrimage site, is another important place for pitru paksha puja. The rituals are performed mainly on the ghats of the Godavari River, which is considered sacred and purifying. Families visit Nashik during this period to perform tarpan and pind daan for the eternal peace of their ancestors.
Travelers often plan their journeys with guides and packages for these destinations during Pitru Paksha.
Pitru Paksha 2025 is a time for devotion, remembrance, and gratitude. Observing pitru paksha shraddh and performing pitru paksha puja ensures the blessings of ancestors and peace for the departed.
If you are planning to perform rituals or travel to sacred destinations like Gaya or Varanasi during this period, Adotrip can help you with the best travel packages, guides, and arrangements. Honor your ancestors with devotion — because with Adotrip, nothing is far.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2025
Q1. When is Shradh starting in 2025?
A1. Shradh, or Pitru Paksha, in 2025 will start on Sunday, 7 September 2025 and will end on Sunday, 21 September 2025. This 15-day period is dedicated to honoring ancestors through rituals, tarpan, and pitru paksha puja.
Q2. Which day is best for Pitru Paksha?
A2. The most important day of Pitru Paksha is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day of the Shradh period. On this day, rituals can be performed for all ancestors, even if their exact death anniversary (tithi) is unknown. However, devotees usually observe Shradh on the specific tithi of their forefathers during the 15 days.
Q3. Can we travel during Pitru Paksha?
A3. You can travel during Pitru Paksha, especially if you are visiting holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, Haridwar, or Nashik to perform rituals. Many devotees plan special trips for pitru paksh shraddh at these destinations. However, it is generally advised to avoid leisure or celebratory travel during this period out of respect for traditions.
Q4. What are the 15 days of Shradh?
A4. The 15 days of Shradh, also known as Pitru Paksha, are a sacred fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. Each day is dedicated to performing rituals for ancestors who passed away on a particular tithi (lunar day). The cycle begins right after Bhadrapada Purnima and ends on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, covering all 15 lunar days.
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