Pitru Paksha Honoring Our Ancestors : 2024 Dates, Rituals and Significance
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha or Kanagat, is a sixteen-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased ancestors. It's a time for families to pay homage through offerings and rituals, with the belief that these acts can bring peace and satisfaction to the departed. This Year 2024 Pitru Paksh will start on 17 Sep 2024.
Significance of Pitru Paksha
Respecting Traditions: Performing Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is considered a way to fulfill one's filial duty and ensure the ancestors' well-being in the afterlife. According to Hindu beliefs, satisfied ancestors can bestow blessings upon their descendants, bringing prosperity and good fortune.
Appeasement and Liberation: The rituals are believed to help ancestors achieve liberation from wandering or restless states. By performing Shraddha, descendants can help their ancestors find peace and move on to the next realm.
Astrological Influence: In Vedic astrology, the concept of Pitru Dosha (ancestral debt) is significant. If a person experiences difficulties like unexplained setbacks or problems having children, an astrologer might suggest performing Shraddha to appease the ancestors and remove this potential obstacle.
How to Celebrate Pitru Paksh
Offerings Food, water, and other symbolic items are offered to the ancestors during Shraddha ceremonies. Normally, It is called Tarpan Vidhi. These offerings are believed to reach the ancestors in the spiritual realm. Additionally, some families may donate food or resources to the poor in the ancestors' names. People also do Brahman bhojan in Pitru Paksh.
Pitru Paksha in 2024
Pitru Paksha typically falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar followed. Specific rituals may be observed on the anniversary of an ancestor's death if known. The last day, Sarvapitri Amavasya, is particularly significant and allows offerings to be made even if the specific death date is unknown. Pitru Paksha in India will begin on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, and end on Wednesday, 02 October 2024.
Where we can perform Puja for ancestors
Varanasi, Gaya, and other sacred locations in India are considered particularly auspicious for performing Shraddha rituals. These places are believed to hold special spiritual significance for connecting with the ancestors. The specific customs and rituals observed during Pitru Paksha may vary depending on regional traditions and family practices.The core purpose, however, remains the same: to express gratitude, respect, and love for deceased ancestors and to promote their spiritual well-being.
What to do during Pitru Paksha
During Pitru Paksha, you can prepare for Shraddha puja (worship) from the morning on the death anniversary of your ancestors. You can assume that your ancestors will come to your home during this time. Decorate the doors with toran (auspicious hangings) and arrange a Brahmin Bhojan. Avoid using onions and garlic in your food during this time. Kheer or milk-based sweets are considered more important in Pitru Paksha food. You can also prepare special rice dishes. Pitru puja should always be done after 12 pm. During this time, perform tarpan (ritual offering of water) for the ancestors at home. Also, take out food for cows, crows, and dogs. It is said that many times ancestors come in the form of these animals and birds to test their children. Offer incense and lamp offerings to the ancestors. Invite a Brahmin or a poor person to your home, feed them, and donate to them. Seek blessings from the ancestors.
Benefits of Shraddh Puja
Performing Shraddha or puja in this way during Pitru Paksha liberates you from Pitru Rinn (ancestral debt) and you receive the blessings of your ancestors. It is said that the blessings of ancestors can change both dasha (fate) and disha (direction). If you are going on the wrong path, the blessings of your ancestors will guide you towards the right path. And it gives you the strength to fight the challenges that come in life. If this puja is done with full dedication during Pitru Paksha, then the ancestors can be pleased and end the difficulties and troubles of our lives.
Dates of Pitru Paksha 2024
Shraddha of Purnima - September 17 (Tuesday)
Shraddha of Pratipada - September 18 (Wednesday)
Shraddha of Dwitiya - September 19 (Thursday)
Shraddha of Tritiya - September 20 (Friday)
Shraddha of Chaturthi - September 21 (Saturday)
Maha Bharani - September 21 (Saturday)
Shraddha of Panchami - September 22 (Sunday)
Shraddha of Shashthi - September 23 (Monday)
Shraddha of Saptami - September 23 (Monday)
Shraddha of Ashtami - September 24 (Tuesday)
Shraddha of Navami - September 25 (Wednesday)
Shraddha of Dashami - September 26 (Thursday)
Shraddha of Ekadashi - September 27 (Friday)
Shraddha of Dwadashi - September 29 (Sunday)
Magha Shraddha - September 29 (Sunday)
Shraddha of Trayodashi - September 30 (Monday)
Shraddha of Chaturdashi - October 1 (Tuesday)
Sarvapitri Amavasya - October 2 (Wednesday)