Pitru Paksha 2025 to Begin September 7: A Fortnight of Reverence, Rituals and Remembrance

RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Sept 06: The sacred fortnight of Pitru Paksha, a deeply spiritual period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestral worship, will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, September 21. This revered observance is marked by the performance of Shraddha, Tarpan, and charitable acts aimed at honouring the souls of departed forefathers and seeking their blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
The observance begins with Purnima Shraddha on September 7. Due to a lunar eclipse occurring the same day, rituals must be completed before 12:50 PM, as the Sutak period begins at 12:57 PM, rendering any sacred act after that time inauspicious. Following Purnima, the daily tithis of Pitru Paksha unfold in order, aligned with the lunar phases of the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month.
The Pratipada Shraddha falls on September 8 (Monday), followed by Dwitiya Shraddha on September 9 (Tuesday). The next day, September 10 (Wednesday), holds special significance as both Tritiya and Chaturthi Shraddhas are to be performed. According to the Hindu Panchang, Tritiya Tithi falls between 1:39 PM and 3:39 PM, while Chaturthi Tithi extends from 3:39 PM to 4:07 PM. As Chaturthi Tithi ends before the following afternoon, both rites are observed on the same day to maintain the sanctity of the ritual timings.
Panchami Shraddha will be held on September 11 (Thursday), but should be performed only after 12:46 PM, as per the muhurta. The rituals continue with Shashthi Shraddha on September 12 (Friday), followed by Saptami Shraddha on September 13 (Saturday) and Ashtami Shraddha on September 14 (Sunday). Each of these days carries its own religious significance and is observed by families whose ancestors passed away on the corresponding lunar day.
The tradition carries forward with Navami Shraddha on September 15 (Monday), Dashami Shraddha on September 16 (Tuesday), and Ekadashi Shraddha on September 17 (Wednesday). The observances of Dwadashi, Trayodashi, and Chaturdashi Shraddhas follow on September 18 (Thursday), September 19 (Friday), and September 20 (Saturday) respectively.
The fortnight culminates on September 21 (Sunday) with Amavasya Shraddha, also known as Sarva Pitru Shraddha or Pitru Visarjan. This final day holds the highest spiritual importance and is observed universally by those who may have missed the specific tithi of a deceased ancestor or are unaware of their exact death dates. The day is considered especially powerful for offering collective prayers and rituals to all departed souls. Throughout Pitru Paksha, devout Hindus perform sacred offerings such as cooked food, black sesame seeds, water, and items of charity. These rituals are believed to provide nourishment and peace to ancestral spirits, guiding them toward liberation (moksha) and in turn, bestowing divine blessings upon their descendants.
Pitru Paksha is not only a ritualistic duty but a deeply emotional and spiritual journey. It symbolizes an unbroken bond between the living and the departed, serving as a reminder of one’s roots, responsibilities, and reverence for the eternal family lineage.