There comes a time when you have to bid adieu to your loved ones. Nobody is immortal, but their memories remain with us for life. Remembering ancestors and paying respect to the deceased is a norm in Hindu culture. Pitru Paksha is a propitious time when Hindus offer the deceased his/her favorite food. This auspicious time is followed for at least sixteen to seventeen days every year. 

Pitru Paksha is also the time when the ancestors visit to offer their blessings and see the current state of their family members. The dishes and foods are also offered to dogs, crows, and cows during this period. 

As per Hindu culture, the food that we give to cows and dogs reaches our ancestors. Not everyone is aware of the meaning, ritual, and dates of Pitru Paksha. With this article, we hope to enlighten you with the details. Let’s get started! 

Pitru Paksha Meaning 

Pitru Paksha Puja is called ‘Shradh’ in Hindi. It’s a 16-lunar day auspicious or favorable period in the calendar of Hindus. The period is dedicated to the ancestors. During this time, the eldest son in the family prays and pays respect to the deceased soul. The eldest son performs a Tarpan. That Tarpon is what Hindus call Shradh puja. 

In Pitru Paksha, prayers are offered through water and food. Also, the time starts from Bhadrapada Purnima and comes to an end on Ashwin Amavasya or the Sarva Pitru Amavasya. 

Pitru Paksha has many names in different cultures. Find the most popular ones here! 

1. Mahalaya Paksha
2. Pitri Paksha
3. Jitiya 
4. Sola Shradh 
5. Pitri Pokkha 

The word Shradh comes from the Hindi word, ‘Shraddha’ which means faith. Many people wish to know what it is called in English. Shraad can be called ‘death anniversary.’ 

Pitru Paksha Dates 2022

Pitru Paksha 2022 started on 10th September, Saturday and it will end on the 25th September, Sunday 2022. 

Poornima Shradh – 10 September

Pratipada Shradh – 11 September

Dwitiya Shradh – 12 September

Tritiya Shradh – 13 September

Chaturthi Shradh – 14 September

Panchami Shraddha – 15 September

Shashthi Shradh – 16 September

Saptami Shraddha – 17 September

Ashtami Shraddha – 18 September

Navami Shraddha – 19 September

Dashami Shradh – 20 September

Ekadashi Shradh – 21 September

Dwadashi Shradh – 22 September

Trayodashi Shradh – 23 September

Chaturdashi Shradh – 24 September

Sarva Pitru Amavasya – 25 September

During this time, Hindu families observe certain rules and make their ancestor’s favorite foods. When the eldest son of the family performs the puja, the ancestors bless the family with good health, wealth, and happiness. 

It is a way of seeking blessings from the ancestors. Spaniards and Mexicans also celebrate the day of the dead to remember their ancestors. 

Hindus believe that seeking blessings is important, as no work will be complete or successful without blessings. 

Importance of Pitru Paksha – What Do Legends Say? 

As per legends, Karna was known for his good heart and generosity. He passed away during the war of Mahabharata and his soul reached heaven. This was the time he was offered gold and jewelry to satiate his hunger pangs. Karna was surprised and he went to Indra (the Lord of Heaven) and asked why gold and jewelry were offered instead of food. Lord Indra explained that he always used to donate gold and jewelry to anybody who required help. Since Karna understood he couldn’t meet his hunger with gold, to make the required amends, he got permission to return to Earth for 15 days to donate water and food in the memory of his deceased family members. 

Pitru Paksha is an important time for Hindus. Performing a puja vidhi gives peace and happiness to the ancestors. When the ancestors are remembered fondly, they go back to heaven and find solace. 

Most people feel that there is a meaning of death in Pitru Paksha. When people are born, their death is also written. One has little control over when they will die. However, speak to an astrologer as to why your loved one died during Pitru Paksha, the most auspicious time. 

Pitra Paksha Puja Vidhi 

Offering food and water to the ancestors is a significant part of Pitru Paksha. However, family members should perform the rituals correctly. We have the information on how you can perform the pitru paksha puja vidhi at home.

1. The first-ever step is known as, ‘Pind Daan.’ This is when the pind or rice balls are offered to the deceased souls. Pind refers to ‘rice balls’ made of rice, honey, ghee, goat milk, barley, and sugar. 
2. The next step in this ritual is known as ‘Tarpan’ where barley, flour, black sesame, and Kusha grass are placed in front of the ancestor’s photograph or offered in their name. 
3. The third step is performing a ceremony to offer the cooked food to Brahmans (priests). Also, the devotees must read the tales from the pure and holy scriptures. 

During the Pitru Paksha 2022, you can donate food and milk to the poor and needy. This will please the deceased souls of your family. 

Pitru Paksha Rules You Must follow

Following Pitru Paksha rules is essential. If not followed, it can anger the souls of the ancestors, or worse, leave them hungry and unsatisfied. The result could be Pitra Dosha. So, when performing the Shradh puja at home, follow all the rules listed below. 

1. No family member should not eat non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paska. 
2. Consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited. 
3. No member of the family should cut their hair.
4. It is also required to give up on tamasic food (anything that contains onion, ginger, and garlic). 

During this time, people should avoid buying anything new like a home or a vehicle. Avoid starting a new project during this time.

If the Shradh ceremony is not performed properly, it can have negative consequences. The ancestors get angry when rituals are not performed because they feel that the family has forgotten about them. It is also believed that the ancestors might curse the family and never return to Earth again. 

The Social Aspect of Observing Pitru Paksha 2022

The idea of observing Pitru Paksha or Shradh is to remember the deceased soul, however, it serves another function: to bring the family together and closer. 

During Pitru Paksha time, the family is expected to sit, cook, and pray together. One can call it a mourning period, but the family can also sit together and remember their ancestors fondly. 

Thus, Hindus must observe the rules and not anger their ancestors. It is possible to observe the rules for 15 days and utilize this time to remember the ancestors. 

Engage younger members of the family in getting to know your ancestors better so that the family tradition is not lost.