Pitru Paksha 2025: Start and End Date, Rituals and Significance of Shradh Paksha
Vaibhav Kochar | Sep 07, 2025, 17:24 IST
Hawan for peace
( Image credit : Freepik )
Highlight of the story: Pitru Paksha 2025, also known as Shradh Paksha, is an important time in Hindu culture. It is a period to honor ancestors. In 2025, it falls between September 7th and 21st. Families will perform rituals and offer food and prayers. Many will visit holy places like Gaya and Varanasi.
Pitru Paksha is about more than simply going through the motions of the rituals. It is a mechanism to bring you close to those who have died. They have influenced our traditions, our values, and our lives, and Shradh Paksha gives us an opportunity to express our thanks. When we get families together and remember where we come from, it has an ability to help in the healing process. People also believe that by doing Shraddha, you have brought peace to your ancestors, and they, too, in return bless you with health and happiness , and prosperity.
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha, is an important part of Hindu culture that allows for time and space to honour and remember ancestors. In 2025, Pitru Paksha falls between 7th September and 21st September. Many believe that during this time that the ancestral souls return to earth and families perform rituals to honour them, thank them, and seek out their blessings. Knowing the dates is also important because each day, in Shradh Paksha, is connected to the ancestors based on the tithi or lunar day.
Even though we live in modern times with lifestyle upgrades and technology, it is worth noting that our emotional and cultural ties are an important part of our identity, as exemplified by Pitru Paksha.
The core ritual during Shradh Paksha is “Shraddha.” This involves giving food, water, and prayers to honor departed souls. Families prepare basic sattvik meals and present them with a sense of devotion. They make an offering called "pind daan", which uses rice, barley, and sesame seeds. People invite priests and Brahmins to share the meal since feeding them is seen as serving the ancestors. Moreover, people also do charitable works like donating clothes, food, or money to people in trouble.
Many families visit the riverside or holy places such as Gaya, Varanasi, or Prayagraj to perform the rituals, believing that these places provide full blessings. If you perform Shraddha at home, the same power is available as long as the individual shares the same intentions.
Shradh Paksha is based on love and reverence, not fear. Reflecting on those who came before us can help us be humble. Pitru Paksha can take it a step further; it can allow us to stop and think about the past while offering prayers in hope for the future. Pitru Paksha gives you a real perspective that life is more than just the present. It is about the legacy carried on from those who paved the way.
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Can women perform Shradh rituals during Pitru Paksha 2025?
Yes, women can perform Shradh if no male member is present.Is it necessary to perform Shradh at Gaya only?
No, Shradh can be done at home too, but Gaya is special.Why are crows fed during Pitru Paksha?
Crows are believed to carry offerings to ancestors.Can modern donations replace traditional food offerings?
Yes, but food offerings remain central while donations are supportive.
Pitru Paksha 2025: When Does Shradh Paksha Start and End?
Pitru paksha dates
( Image credit : Freepik )
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha, is an important part of Hindu culture that allows for time and space to honour and remember ancestors. In 2025, Pitru Paksha falls between 7th September and 21st September. Many believe that during this time that the ancestral souls return to earth and families perform rituals to honour them, thank them, and seek out their blessings. Knowing the dates is also important because each day, in Shradh Paksha, is connected to the ancestors based on the tithi or lunar day.
Even though we live in modern times with lifestyle upgrades and technology, it is worth noting that our emotional and cultural ties are an important part of our identity, as exemplified by Pitru Paksha.
Pitru Paksha Rituals: Ways Families Pay Tribute to Ancestors
Rituals of pitru paksha
( Image credit : Freepik )
The core ritual during Shradh Paksha is “Shraddha.” This involves giving food, water, and prayers to honor departed souls. Families prepare basic sattvik meals and present them with a sense of devotion. They make an offering called "pind daan", which uses rice, barley, and sesame seeds. People invite priests and Brahmins to share the meal since feeding them is seen as serving the ancestors. Moreover, people also do charitable works like donating clothes, food, or money to people in trouble.
Many families visit the riverside or holy places such as Gaya, Varanasi, or Prayagraj to perform the rituals, believing that these places provide full blessings. If you perform Shraddha at home, the same power is available as long as the individual shares the same intentions.
Pitru Paksha 2025: A Time to Contemplate and Appreciate
A time for reflection
( Image credit : Freepik )
Shradh Paksha is based on love and reverence, not fear. Reflecting on those who came before us can help us be humble. Pitru Paksha can take it a step further; it can allow us to stop and think about the past while offering prayers in hope for the future. Pitru Paksha gives you a real perspective that life is more than just the present. It is about the legacy carried on from those who paved the way.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life !
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, women can perform Shradh if no male member is present.Is it necessary to perform Shradh at Gaya only?
No, Shradh can be done at home too, but Gaya is special.Why are crows fed during Pitru Paksha?
Crows are believed to carry offerings to ancestors.Can modern donations replace traditional food offerings?
Yes, but food offerings remain central while donations are supportive.