Tuesday, 17 September 2024

Shradh begins on Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. There are 3 main debts in the life of a person, whose names are Dev debt, Rishi debt, Pitra debt. Pitru Paksha is a 16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar which starts on Purnima and ends on Amavasya. These are the days to repay the debts of the Pitru. Pitra are satisfied by performing Shradh and Tarpan and offering food and dakshina to Brahmins or needy people.

It is believed that on the Pitru Paksha, the ancestors come from Pitruloka to the human world. So that they can be satisfied by receiving the things offered by their family and can bless them. Pitra wait for the offering by family members till Amavasya, which is the last day of Pitru Paksha and then return back to Pitruloka unsatisfied, If not offered anything. It is believed that if the ancestors are pleased, they remove the troubles in life and provide happiness and prosperity to family.

Pitru Paksha is considered as a mourning period that includes pujas, rituals, and charity activities. So this period is not considered good for any weddings or buying a new property, jewelry, starting new ventures etc. Shraddha should be performed by male members of the family. Women can do it along with thier husbands.If the death anniversary of ancestors is not known or forgotten then it can be performed on the last day of Pitru Paksha, which is on the Amavasya tithi.

Shradh (Pitru Paksha) Start (1950 to 2050)