According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha or Shradh is a 15-day period that begins during the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It comes to an end on the Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha. During this time, Hindus pay respects to their ancestors’ departed souls. Pitru Paksha is distinguished by Shradh rituals and a restricted way of life. It is believed that during this time, the Shradh rituals aid the ancestors in attaining moksha, or salvation.
Pitru Paksha 2022: Important Dates
The Pitru Paksha will begin on September 10, Saturday, and end on September 25, Sunday, this year (2022).
Timings:
The timings for the Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat and Aparahna Kaal for September 10 are as follows:
• Kutup Muhurat: 11:53 AM to 12:43 PM
• Rohina Muhurat: 12:43 to 1:33 PM
• Aparahna Kaal: 1:33 PM to 4:03 PM
Rituals
1. The rituals of Shradh or pind daan for the ancestors as per Hindu traditions can be performed on any day during this 15-day period.
2. The Shradh period culminates on Mahalaya day, which will fall on September 25 this year.
3. On Shradh day, the eldest member of the family takes bath and sports new clothes along with a ring that is made of Kush grass.
4. Kush Grass is deemed as a representation of kindness and is also used to call upon the ancestors.
5. Post this, a wooden table is covered with a white cloth and is kept facing towards the south.
6. Then the table is covered with black sesame seeds and barley seeds, over which, the ancestor’s portrait is placed.
7. After this, the ancestors are called upon and offered pind in the form of rice or wheat balls, which are made with honey, rice or wheat, goat’s milk, sugar and ghee.
8. Following this, the offering of Tarpan, which is made by mixing water, flour, barley, kush and black sesame seeds is made.
9. After the rituals of Shradh and Tarpan, food is offered to the poor people.
Significance
According to Hinduism, the souls of the ancestors reside in Pitrulok and descend on Earth during the Pitrupaksha. So, during this time of year, the deceased’s family members perform Shradh to pay homage to the ancestors. The rituals performed during the Pitru Paksha assist the departed souls in achieving moksh, or salvation.
