Pitru Paksha also known as Shraddha Paksha, a period dedicated to paying tribute to one’s ancestors, holds a special place in the Hindu Mythology. This fortnight of the lunar month, known as the darker half of Bhadrapada/Ashwin, is a time when Hindus pay their respects to the departed souls of their ancestors through special rituals and offerings. Pitru/ Shraddha Paksha in 2024 is a time to renew bonds with our past generations, understanding their constant influence in our lives. Here is why it is important, how you can observe it, and the deep benefits it brings.
Why Observe Pitru Paksha?
- Spiritual Connection: Pitru Paksha provides a moment to reflect on your heritage and accept the contributions of your ancestors to your current existence. It supports the age-old belief that honouring one’s ancestors ensures their blessings for the family.
- Karmic Significance: It is believed that performing Shraddha (rituals dedicated to the deceased) during Pitru/ Shraddha Paksha helps in appeasing the ancestors, which can resolve past karmic debts and influence your spiritual and material welfare.
How to Perform Rituals During Pitru Paksha 2024
- Selecting the Date: Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to those who passed away on specific lunar days. Select the date corresponding to the anniversary of the ancestor’s death as per the lunar calendar.
- Shraddha Rituals: Perform Shraddha rituals, which include:
- Tarpan (offering water): Offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass.
- Pind-daan (offering rice balls): Offering rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds and ghee.
- Feeding the Brahmins: It is customary to offer a meal to Brahmins after performing Shraddha, as feeding the holy men is seen as feeding the ancestors themselves.
- Offerings to Crows : Crows are considered messengers of Yama, the god of death. Offering food to crows is believed to reach the ancestors directly.
Benefits of Observing Pitru Paksha
- Emotional Healing: Reflecting on and connecting with the lives of ancestors can bring emotional closure and healing, especially for those who might have unresolved grief.
- Family Unity: Gathering to perform Shraddha rituals strengthens family bonds and brings members closer as they share in the act of remembering and honouring their ancestors.
- Spiritual Growth: Engaging in these rituals increases personal spirituality and can lead to a greater understanding of life’s cycles, including birth, life, death, and rebirth.
Importance of Rituals in Pitru Paksha
The rituals of Shraddha Paksha serve multiple purposes—they honour the dead, ensuring their peace and liberation, and protect the family by securing the ancestors’ blessings. These practices are deeply in-built in the cultural essence, serving as a reminder of the ephemerality of life and the importance of fulfilling familial and social duties.
Pitru Paksha 2024 Shraddha Dates | Calendar
Purnima Shraddha – 17 September 2024 (Tuesday)
Shraddha of Pratipada – 18 September 2024 (Wednesday)
Shraddha of Dwitiya – 19 September 2024 (Thursday)
Tritiya Shraddha – 20 September 2024 (Friday)
Chaturthi Shraddha – 21 September 2024 (Saturday)
Panchami Shraddha – 22 September 2024 (Sunday)
Shraddha of Shashthi – 23 September 2024 (Monday)
Shraddha of Saptami – 23 September 2024 (Monday)
Ashtami Shraddha – 24 September 2024 (Tuesday)
Navami Shraddha – 25 September 2024 (Wednesday)
Dashami Shraddha – 26 September 2024 (Thursday)
Ekadashi Shraddha – 27 September 2024 (Friday)
Shraddha of Dwadashi – 29 September 2024 (Sunday)
Magha Shraddha – 29 September 2024 (Sunday)
Shraddha of Trayodashi – 30 September 2024 (Monday)
Shraddha of Chaturdashi – 1 October 2024 (Tuesday)
Sarvapitri Amavasya – 2 October 2024 (Wednesday)
Pitru Paksha 2024 offers a unique opportunity to express gratitude and respect for your ancestors, ensuring their blessings and support in your endeavours. By participating in these timeless rituals, you contribute to a tradition that has immense ancestral and cultural significance, ensuring that the legacy of your ancestors continues to enrich your life and those of future generations.
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Pitra/Pitru Stotra in Hindi PDF
