Pitrupaksha 2025 Dates
Purnima Shradh
7th Sept. 2025
Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima
Pratipada Shradh
8th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada
Dwitiya Shradh
9th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya
Tritiya Shradh
10th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya
Chaturthi Shradh
10th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Chaturthi
Maha Bharani
11th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Bharani Nakshatra
Panchami Shradh
11th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Panchami
Shashthi Shradh
12th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Shashthi
Saptami Shradh
13th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Saptami
Ashtami Shradh
14th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami
Navami Shradh
15th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Navami
Dashami Shradh
16th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Dashami
Ekadashi Shradh
17th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi
Dwadashi Shradh
18th Oct. 2023
Ashwina, Krishna Dwadashi
Trayodashi Shradh
19th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi
Magha Shradh
19th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Magha Nakshatra
Chaturdashi Shradh
20th Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
21st Sept. 2025
Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya
In the Hindu calendar, Pitrupaksha holds a position of great significance. It is a period that is dedicated to the remembrance of ancestors, a time when people express their respect and gratitude for the generations past. With Pitrupaksha 2025 on the horizon, it is essential to understand the significance of this time, especially the central rite of Shradh Karma, which forms the core of Pitrupaksha practices.
Pitrupaksha 2025 is slated to begin on September 7th, stretching out until September 21st. This period of fifteen days is known as the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the lunar month Ashwin, according to the North Indian Purnimant calendar, or Bhadrapada according to the South Indian Amavasyant calendar. Pitrupaksha is a Sanskrit word where ‘Pitru’ refers to ancestors and ‘Paksha’ means a fortnight. Thus, this fortnight is wholly dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors.
One can do this by performing:
Pind Daan
Tarpan
Shradh
The main ritual of this period is Shradh Karma, a set of rites and rituals performed in honor of deceased ancestors. The term Shradh is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘shraddha,’ which means anything or any act performed with all sincerity and faith. Therefore, Shradh Karma underscores the importance of sincere and faithful acts towards one’s ancestors.
The Shradh Karma ceremony involves offering food, usually Kheer (a type of rice pudding), lapsi (a sweet wheat porridge), rice, dal (lentils), the vegetable of spring bean (guar) and a yellow gourd (pumpkin) to the crows. These animals are traditionally believed to be the messengers of Yama, the God of Death, and are therefore entrusted with the task of carrying the offerings to the ancestors. The belief is that the satisfaction of the ancestors’ spirits will lead to blessings in the form of good health, prosperity, and a continuation of the lineage.
Shradh Karma underscores the interconnectedness between generations, reaffirming the belief in life after death.
The process of paying tribute to ancestors during Pitrupaksha is regarded as a sacred duty for all Hindu families, reinforcing the values of respect, gratitude, and familial responsibility.
In 2025, the significance of Shradh Karma becomes more profound, especially in the wake of the recent global changes. As the world grapples with a period of intense transformation, performing Shradh Karma is a reminder of the wisdom of our ancestors, their resilience, and their ability to overcome adversity. It is a time to reflect on their lessons, to seek their guidance, and to remind ourselves of the strength that lies within our roots.
Performing Shradh Karma during Pitrupaksha also has psychological benefits. It offers a formal platform for the grieving process, providing closure to those mourning the loss of their loved ones. The rituals provide a comforting reassurance of continuity, reminding us that death is not an end, but a part of the eternal cycle of life.
As we approach Pitrupaksha 2025, the importance of Shradh Karma cannot be understated. In the increasingly disconnected world, it offers a bridge to our ancestors, helping us to understand and appreciate our roots, and to draw strength from them. The teachings and wisdom of our ancestors are the guiding lights that help us navigate the complexities of life.
In conclusion, Pitrupaksha and the ritual of Shradh Karma are not just religious practices; they are a celebration of life, death, and everything in between.