What are the Exact Dates for Pitru Paksha Shradh in 2025?

A most practical and essential question! Knowing when this sacred period arrives allows us to prepare our hearts, homes, and resources to welcome and honour our ancestors properly. The celestial clock ticks onward, and indeed, we must mark our calendars for the upcoming Pitrupaksha.

Let us consult the cosmic alignments for the year 2025 as per the Gregorian calendar. While the title you suggest is direct, perhaps we can add a touch more reverence:

What are the Exact Dates for Pitru Paksha Shradh in 2025?

The time draws near once again when the veil between the realms thins, and our beloved Pitrus, the souls of our forefathers and foremothers, draw close to accept our love, respect, and offerings. Pitrupaksha, that sacred fortnight dedicated entirely to their memory and well-being, is a cornerstone of our Dharma. Missing this opportunity for shraddha (acts performed with faith and reverence) is a loss not just for them, but for us, as their blessings are vital for our peace and prosperity.

As we discussed, the timing isn’t arbitrary; it follows the intricate dance of the Sun and Moon as calculated by our ancient Panchang. Pitrupaksha falls during the Krishna Paksha (the waning fortnight) that begins after the Full Moon (Purnima) of the Bhadrapada month and concludes on the New Moon (Amavasya) of that cycle, which is known as Ashwin Amavasya in the Purnimanta system or Bhadrapada Amavasya in the Amanta system. Crucially, it culminates in the most powerful day: Mahalaya Amavasya, also called Sarvapitri Amavasya.

So, let us look specifically at the year 2025.

Based on the celestial calculations from reliable Panchangs and astronomical data available, here are the confirmed dates for Pitrupaksha in the year 2025:

The Sacred Window: Pitrupaksha Dates for 2025

Pitrupaksha Begins: Sunday, 7th September 2025
(This follows the Bhadrapada Purnima)

Pitrupaksha Ends: Sunday, 21st September 2025
(This is the Ashwin Amavasya / Bhadrapada Amavasya, known as Mahalaya or Sarvapitri Amavasya)

So, mark these 15 days (inclusive) in your calendar, Vatsa. This is the precious window granted to us to connect with, nourish, and seek blessings from our departed ancestors.

A Quick Reminder of the Significance

As we learned, this fortnight holds immense spiritual weight:

• Ancestors’ Visit: It is believed the spirits of our ancestors leave Pitru Loka and reside with their descendants on Earth during these days, eagerly awaiting offerings.
• Dakshinayana Period: Falling during the Sun’s southern journey, this time is traditionally considered more conducive for rituals related to the Pitrus.
• Karna’s Boon: The Mahabharata reminds us, through Karna’s story, of the critical importance of offering food and water (Anna and Jal) during Shraddha. Pitrupaksha provides the opportunity to fulfill this sacred duty.

Day-by-Day Tithi Guide for Pitrupaksha Shraddha 2025

To perform the Shraddha correctly, it’s vital to know the specific Tithi (lunar day) corresponding to each Gregorian date within Pitrupaksha. Remember, the Shraddha for an ancestor is generally performed on the Tithi (during this Paksha) that matches the Tithi on which they passed away.

Important Note: Tithis do not align perfectly with midnight-to-midnight Gregorian days. A Tithi can start on one day and end on the next. The dates below generally correspond to the day when the Tithi is predominant or when the Shraddha for that Tithi is typically observed. For precise timings, especially the auspicious Kutup Muhurta or Aparahna Kala for performing the main rituals, consulting a local Panchang or a knowledgeable Pandit for your specific location is always best.

Here is the likely correspondence for 2025 (please verify locally closer to the date):

1. Sunday, 7th September 2025: Purnima Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Bhadrapada Purnima Tithi.
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on a Purnima Tithi. Note: Some traditions observe this on Mahalaya Amavasya instead. Pitrupaksha period technically starts the next day, but Purnima Shraddha often coincides with the actual Purnima date.
2. Monday, 8th September 2025: Pratipada Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Pratipada Tithi (first day of the waning fortnight).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Pratipada Tithi. Also sometimes considered for maternal grandfather (Nana).
3. Tuesday, 9th September 2025: Dwitiya Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Dwitiya Tithi (second day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Dwitiya Tithi.
4. Wednesday, 10th September 2025: Tritiya Shraddha / Chaturthi Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Tritiya Tithi (third day) and possibly Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) beginning.
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Tritiya Tithi. Note: Sometimes, due to the variable length of Tithis, two Tithis might fall or start/end closely on one Gregorian day. Check local Panchang – Chaturthi Shraddha might also be observed today or predominantly tomorrow.
5. Thursday, 11th September 2025: Chaturthi Shraddha / Panchami Shraddha / Maha Bharani
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) or Panchami Tithi (fifth day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Chaturthi Tithi or Panchami Tithi.
   • Maha Bharani: If the Bharani Nakshatra falls on this Chaturthi or Panchami Tithi, it is considered exceptionally auspicious, equivalent in merit to performing Shraddha at Gaya. Check Panchang for Nakshatra alignment.
6. Friday, 12th September 2025: Panchami Shraddha / Shashthi Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Panchami Tithi (fifth day) or Shashthi Tithi (sixth day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Panchami or Shashthi Tithi.Shraddha for unmarried deceased relatives (‘Kunwara Panchami’) might be done on Panchami.
7. Saturday, 13th September 2025: Shashthi Shraddha / Saptami Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Shashthi Tithi (sixth day) or Saptami Tithi (seventh day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Shashthi or Saptami Tithi.
8. Sunday, 14th September 2025: Saptami Shraddha / Ashtami Shraddha
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Saptami Tithi (seventh day) or Ashtami Tithi (eighth day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Saptami or Ashtami Tithi.
9. Monday, 15th September 2025: Ashtami Shraddha / Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami)
   • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) or Navami Tithi (ninth day).
   • Shraddha for those who passed away on Ashtami Tithi.
   • Avidhava Navami: Today is crucial for performing Shraddha for married women who died before their husbands (Suhagan/Saubhagyavati). Also known as Matra Navami (Mother’s Ninth).
10. Tuesday, 16th September 2025: Navami Shraddha / Dashami Shraddha
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Navami Tithi (ninth day) or Dashami Tithi (tenth day).
    • Shraddha for those who passed away on Navami or Dashami Tithi.
11. Wednesday, 17th September 2025: Dashami Shraddha / Ekadashi Shraddha (Indira Ekadashi)
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Dashami Tithi (tenth day) or Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day).
    • Shraddha for those who passed away on Dashami or Ekadashi Tithi.
    • Indira Ekadashi: Performing Shraddha on Ekadashi, especially this one during Pitrupaksha, is considered highly meritorious, particularly for providing salvation (moksha) to the ancestors. Some also observe a fast for Lord Vishnu.
12. Thursday, 18th September 2025: Ekadashi Shraddha / Dwadashi Shraddha (Yati Dwadashi)
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day) or Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth day).
    • Shraddha for those who passed away on Ekadashi Tithi.
    • Yati Dwadashi: This day is specifically for performing Shraddha for ancestors who were Sanyasis (renunciates) or ascetics.
13. Friday, 19th September 2025: Dwadashi Shraddha / Trayodashi Shraddha (Magha Shraddha)
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth day) or Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day).
    • Shraddha for those who passed away on Dwadashi or Trayodashi Tithi. Often, Shraddha for children who died young is performed on Trayodashi.
    • Magha Shraddha: When Magha Nakshatra coincides with Trayodashi during Pitrupaksha, it is called Magha Trayodashi Shraddha, considered very auspicious. Check Panchang for Nakshatra.
14. Saturday, 20th September 2025: Chaturdashi Shraddha (Ghata/Ghayal Chaturdashi)
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day).
    • Crucial Day: This day is specifically reserved for performing Shraddha for those who died an unnatural or violent death (accident, suicide, murder, killed by weapon – Shastrahat). Performing rites today helps pacify their souls.
    • Important: Shraddha for ancestors who died naturally on a Chaturdashi Tithi is generally not performed today but shifted to Sarvapitri Amavasya (the next day).
15. Sunday, 21st September 2025: Sarvapitri Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya
    • Corresponds to: Ashwin Krishna Amavasya Tithi (New Moon day).
    • The MOST Important Day: This is the culmination of Pitrupaksha. Shraddha performed today reaches all ancestors, regardless of their death Tithi
    • It is especially for those whose death Tithi is unknown or forgotten, or if Shraddha was missed on the specific Tithi.
    • Also, for those who died on Amavasya, Purnima, or Chaturdashi (natural death).
    • It is a day for universal remembrance and offering gratitude to the entire lineage. Tarpan and Pind Daan on this day hold immense significance.

Preparing for Pitrupaksha 2025

Now that you have the dates, Vatsa, it is time to prepare:

• Identify the Tithis: Determine the death Tithis of your parents, grandparents, and other close departed relatives for whom you are responsible for performing Shraddha.
• Consult Family/Pandit: If unsure about Tithis or specific family traditions, consult elders or a knowledgeable Pandit.
• Gather Materials: Arrange for items needed for Tarpan (water, black sesame seeds, Kusha grass) and Pind Daan (rice balls, barley flour, ghee, honey, milk, etc.), if you plan to perform these rituals.
• Plan for Brahmin Bhoj: If tradition includes feeding Brahmins, make arrangements in advance.
• Mental & Spiritual Purity: Prepare yourself mentally. Maintain purity of thought and action, avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, haircuts, shaving (for men performing the rites), and auspicious new ventures during this period. Focus on remembrance and reverence.

Embrace the Blessings

Pitrupaksha is not a time for sorrow, but for profound connection and gratitude. By observing these dates and performing the Shraddha rituals with devotion, even simple offerings of water (Tarpan) and food, you nourish your ancestors, help them on their onward journey, and in return, receive their invaluable blessings for the health, happiness, and prosperity of your family.

Mark these dates, September 7th to September 21st, 2025, and prepare to honour those who gave you life and lineage. May their blessings be ever upon you.

Pitrupaksha 2025 Shraddha Tithi Calendar Table

To help you easily identify the correct day for performing Shraddha based on the ancestor’s death Tithi, here is a day-by-day guide for Pitrupaksha 2025.

Important Note: Tithis (lunar days) can start or end at any time during a Gregorian (solar) day. The dates below generally indicate the day when the Tithi is predominant or when the specific Shraddha is most commonly performed. For precise timings, especially the auspicious Kutup Muhurta or Aparahna Kala for rituals, always consult a local Panchang or a trusted Pandit for your location, as timings can vary.