Pitru Paksha 2024 Shradh Paksha 2024 पितृ पक्ष 2024 श्राद्ध पक्ष 2024

Pitru-Paksha 2024 is being observed from 17 September to 02 October.

WHAT IS PITRU PAKSHA?

Pitru-Paksha (fortnight of the paternal ancestors) is a 16 lunar-days period in Hindu calender when Hindu pays homage to their ancestors, specially through food offerings.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए अपनी डिवाइस स्क्रीन के ऊपरी दाएं कोने पर 'Hindi' पर क्लिक करें।

WHEN IS PITRU PAKSHA OBSERVED?

It is observed from full-moon day of Shukla paksha of Bhadrapada to No-moon day of Krishna paksha of Ashvin Hindi maas.

It follows fortnight just after the ending of the Ganesh Utsava.

SHRADH DATES IN PITRU PAKSHA 2024

On 28 September there is a gap of a day in Pitru Paksha, there will be no performance of shradh on that day and that is because of the existence of Adhik Maas in this year 2024.

WHAT IS DONE DURING PITRU PAKSHA?

Throughout Pitru Paksha, everyday non-casual foods like( Bada and Puri) are prepared to offer deceased ancestors. This is to show their respect to them and letting them know these days as significant.

Everyday a small size rangoli, flowers overthem, a Nariyal( coconut with husk) wrapped in red cloth and a Daatun(teeth-cleaning twig) are kept in home to welcome them and later, after river visit by descendant foods are offered to the fire.

ASTRONOMICAL BASIS

Pitru-Paksha occurs in Ashvin Krishna Paksha. During this the Sun transits from north celestial sphere to the south.

MYTHOLOGY

In Hinduism souls of ancestors reside in Pitriloka, a realm between Heaven and Earth and this is governed by Yama, the god of death. Prayers and offerings during Pitru Paksha bring upon Moksha(salvation) to ancestors and to the performer.

According to Hindu epics, the Sun enters the zodiac sign of virgo(Kanya), which is the beginning of Pitru Paksha. Since beginning of this time spirits leave Pitriloka and reside in their descendant’s home for next one month till full-moon day, when the Sun enters the next zodiac- scorpio(Vrishchika). Descendants have to perform Shraddha for first half to propitiate their ancestors.

The legendary donor Karna was permitted to return to the Earth by Yama for 15 days ofter his death as he was unaware of his ancestors and never offered food and performed Shraddha for their Kuru ancestors. He had only donated golds in his entire life. Due to the curse by ancestors foods in heaven turned into golds instantly as Karna touched them.

SIGNIFICANCE

Along with person’s debt to his Guru and his parents, debt repay of his ancestors by performing rituals in Pitru Paksha is of utmost importance.

According to Markandeya Purana– if ancestors are content with ritual performances of their descendants, they bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity and ultimately heaven and salvation(Moksha).

RULES OF SHRADH

When and Where

Food offerings and rituals are performed everyday of the Pitru Paksha but Shradh is performed on pecific lunar day of the Paksha as per on which lunar day parent, grandparent or family member died.

Shradh for deceased woman/girl is performed on Navami of the Pitru Paksha.

Two ancestors’ Shradh are performed on lunar days of Pitru Paksha when they died until they have been offered Pinda in holy city of Gaya.

Shradh in Pitru Paksha are not performed until Barsi( first death anniversary) of recently died parent/ grandparent/ family member is not performed.

Who and Whom

Son(usually eldest) or male relative of the paternal branch of the family has to perform Shradh.

Food

Food offering usually include Kheer, Bada, Puri, rice, Dal and Turai(sponge gourd).

There is such belief that feeding crow in Pitru-Paksha specifically on the day of Shradh is considered to be fed directly to the ancestors.

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Featured Image source : Internet.

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