Shradh Paksha, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a period dedicated to paying respects to our ancestors through rituals like Tarpan, Pinddaan, and Panchbali Karma. In 2025, Pitru Paksha holds special significance as it coincides with a rare celestial event-it will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the day of a lunar eclipse, and conclude on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during a solar eclipse. Such a coincidence is happening after nearly 122 years.
During these 16 days, different Shradh rituals are performed according to the tithi (lunar day) of the ancestor's death. Here are the major Shradh dates and their significance:
Key Shradh Dates in 2025
September 7 (Sunday): Purnima Shradh
September 8 (Monday): Pratipada Shradh
September 11 (Thursday): Maha Bharani Shradh (Shradh for bachelors)
September 15 (Monday): Navami Shradh (Saubhagyavati or married women's Shradh)
September 17 (Tuesday): Ekadashi Shradh (Sanyasi Shradh)
September 19 (Friday): Trayodashi Shradh (Shradh for children)
September 20 (Saturday): Chaturdashi Shradh (Shradh for those who died unnatural or premature deaths)
September 21 (Sunday): Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Shradh for all ancestors)
Significance of Major Shradh Days
1. Purnima Shradh (Proshtapadi Purnima): For those who died on a full moon. If missed, it can also be done on Ashtami, Dwadashi, or Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
2. Pratipada Shradh: For ancestors who passed away on Pratipada tithi of Shukla or Krishna Paksha.
3. Panchami Shradh (Kunwara Panchami / Bharani Shradh): For unmarried individuals who died before marriage. Shradh of those who died in the previous year may also be performed on Chaturthi or Panchami.
4. Navami Shradh (Matri Navami): Dedicated to departed mothers, married women, and women whose death date is unknown.
5. Ekadashi Shradh (Sanyasi Shradh / Yati Shradh): For ancestors who had taken sanyas before death.
6. Trayodashi Shradh (Baal Shradh): For children or individuals who died at a young age.
7. Chaturdashi Shradh (Shastrahat Shradh): For those who died due to accidents, weapons, or suicides. Performing Shradh on this day is believed to bring peace to their souls.
8. Amavasya Shradh (Sarva Pitru Amavasya): The most important day of Pitru Paksha. On this day, Shradh is performed for all ancestors, especially if their death date is forgotten or if rituals were missed earlier. It is believed that performing tarpan on this day removes Pitra Dosh.
Note: Shradh can also be performed on other dates (Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Shashthi, Saptami, Dashami) based on the ancestor's death tithi. The Shradh performed in Bharani Nakshatra is known as Maha Bharani Shradh. Since Yamraj is the lord of Bharani Nakshatra, rituals on this day are believed to bring the blessings of holy pilgrimages (Tirtha Shradh).
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
