Pitru Paksha 2025: Why is Shradh celebrated, know its importance and rules..

Pitru Paksha 2025: In Sanatan Dharma, the fortnight from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya is celebrated as Pitru Paksha or Shraddha Paksha. According to the scriptures, this time is considered to be a special time to remember one's ancestors and to perform tarpan, pinddaan, and shraddha karma to them. It is believed that during this period, the doors of Pitruloka open and the souls of ancestors come to Earth waiting for tarpan from their descendants and leave after giving blessings when satisfied. Therefore, Shraddha is not only a religious ritual, but also a festival of gratitude.

Importance of Shraddha
According to religious belief, performing Shraddha makes the ancestors happy and blesses the descendants with age, health, wealth, and prosperity. It is said in the Garuda Purana that the person who performs Shraddha with devotion and methodically, happiness and peace remain in his family. Offering food and water to the ancestors fulfills their unfulfilled desires. It is believed that when the ancestors are satisfied, they remove the obstacles from the lives of their descendants.

It is said in the scriptures that it is the duty of every child to repay the debt of parents and ancestors. This debt is partially repaid through Shradh. There is a mythological belief that those who do not perform the Shradh of their ancestors may have to face obstacles and hardships in life. On the other hand, from a human point of view, Shradh is an opportunity to express gratitude and remember our ancestors. It also teaches us that our achievements today are the result of the efforts and sacrifices of our ancestors.

Importance of date – Shradh of ancestors is done according to their death date. If the date is not known, then Shradh can be done on Amavasya.

Purification of place – Shradh work should be done at a holy place. This work is considered to be especially fruitful at home or at holy pilgrimage sites.

Diet rules – Only satvik food should be prepared during Shraddha. Garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian food are prohibited.

Pinddaan and Tarpan – Tarpan is done with water, sesame, and Kush, and Pinddaan is done with dishes. This is a medium to deliver energy and satisfaction to the ancestors.

Brahmin feast – It is necessary to feed Brahmins during Shraddha, because Brahmins are considered to be the bridge between God and ancestors.

Feeling of faith – It is said in the scriptures that even if the ritual is not complete, Shraddha performed with faith and devotion alone satisfies the ancestors.

Prohibitions – Entertainment, drinking, and showing off on the day of Shraddha is considered inauspicious. This day should be spent with full faith and restraint.