Pitru Paksha 2025: Honoring Ancestors—When to Observe This Important Period

All About the Festival of Pitru Paksha

Starting on September 7th, this festival lasts for 16 days, during which Hindus perform numerous rituals with deep devotion. According to Hindu scriptures, this festival is celebrated to pay homage to the departed souls of our loved ones, hoping they have found peace in a happier place beyond human existence. These days are a period of mourning, during which various pujas, daans, and rituals are conducted to honor our ancestors, wishing for their liberation from the cycle of life and death and hoping they reach the eternal abode of heaven.

Pitru Paksha Muhurat

• Pitru Paksha - Sunday, September 21, 2025
• Kutup Muhurat - 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM  
  Duration - 50 Minutes  
• Rohina Muhurat - 12:50 PM to 1:39 PM  
  Duration - 50 Minutes  
• Aparahna Kaal - 1:39 PM to 4:09 PM  
  Duration - 2 Hours 30 Minutes  
• Purnima Tithi Begins - 1:41 AM on September 7, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 11:38 PM on September 7, 2025  

Pitru Paksha Dates 2025

How to Perform Shradh in Pitru Paksha?

This festival serves as a mark of respect for those who have passed away. Consequently, the rituals performed on this day must be carried out with utmost care and sincerity. Below, we have outlined the puja vidhi:

• During Shradh, rituals are performed on the tithi when the ancestor passed away, according to the lunar calendar.
• Those performing the puja should wake up early and take a bath.
• The person conducting the puja should wear a ring made of darbha grass.
• Sit in a calm and peaceful place of worship.
• Invoke the ancestors at this point.
• The person performing the puja wears a sacred thread, which is adjusted multiple times during the rituals.
• Perform a pind daan by taking water in both hands and slowly releasing it.
• Special food is prepared on this day using a sattvic recipe, which is then offered to cows, dogs, crows, and ants.
• The food is also offered to ancestors by placing it in the fire of the havan kunda.
• Brahmins are given this food as well, along with dakshina.
• Join hands and pray for the ancestors to achieve liberation and seek their blessings.
• Charitable actions performed during this time are said to bring great rewards.

Do not engage in these activities during Pitru Paksha rituals:

Any auspicious events, such as marriage, engagement, tonsure, and housewarming, are prohibited during this period. Additionally, purchasing new clothes, jewelry, and similar items is also deemed inauspicious during Pitru Paksha. It is advised not to buy a new vehicle, house, or land during this time, as doing so may prevent you from receiving favorable outcomes.