Pitru Paksha 2023: Start and End Date, Timings, Rituals, and Dos, Don'ts During Shradh

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred 16-day period observed by Hindus to honour their ancestors. It commences on Bhadrapada Purnima (September 29) and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya (October 14). Bhadrapada Purnima is also referred to as Purnima Shraddha and Pratipada Shraddha.

Shradh Paksha 2023 Start Date and Time

• Purnima Tithi Begins: 28 September; 6:49 PM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: 29 September; 3:26 PM

Shradh Paksha End Date and Time

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: 14 October; 4:48 AM
• Amavasya Tithi Ends: 15 October; 7:09 AM

PITRU PAKSHA 2023 DATES

First day of Pitru Paksha: September 29 (Purnima Shraddha and Pratipada Shraddha)

Second day: September 30 (Second Shraddha)

Third day: October 1 (Tritiya Shraddha)

Fourth day: October 2 (Chaturthi Shraddha, Maha Bharani)

Fifth day: October 3 (Panchami Shraddha)

Sixth day: October 4 (Shashthi Shraddha)

Seventh day: October 5 (Saptami Shraddha)

Eighth day: October 6 (Ashtami Shraddha)

Ninth day: October 7 (Navami Shraddha)

Tenth day: October 8 (Dashami Shraddha)

Eleventh day: October 9 (Ekadashi Shraddha)

Twelfth day: October 10 (Magha Shraddha)

Thirteenth day: October 11 (Dwadashi Shraddha)

Fourteenth day: October 12 (Trayodashi Shraddha)

Fifteenth day: October 13 (Chaturdashi Shraddha)

Sarva Pitru Amavasya: October 14 (Saturday)

WHY TO FEED BIRDS AND ANIMALS DURING PITRU PAKSHA?

During Pitru Paksha, various rituals are performed to show reverence to ancestors, including Tarpan, Pind Daan, Shradh, Panchbali Bhog, and others. Tarpan involves offering water mixed with black sesame, barley, kusha grass, and white flour to appease the ancestors. Feeding Brahmins is an essential part of the Shraddha ritual, as it is believed to remove Pitra Dosh from one’s horoscope.

Here are the significance and offerings for specific animals and divine entities during this period:

1. CrowOffering food to crows symbolizes the air element and is believed to please ancestors.
2. CowCows represent the earth element and are highly revered. A portion of food is set aside for them.
3. DogDogs, symbolizing the water element, are also fed a portion of the food, bringing blessings for a happy life.
4. Divine PowersFood is offered to deities, symbolizing the sky element.
5. AntsThe fifth bhog is dedicated to ants, symbolizing hard work and collectivism.

SHRADH RITUALS DURING PITRU PAKSHA

Rituals Preparation

The Shradh period culminates on Mahalaya day, which falls on September 25. The eldest family member takes a bath and wears new clothes, including a ring made of Kush grass. Kush Grass symbolizes kindness and is used to invoke the ancestors.

Setting Up the Altar

A wooden table is prepared and placed facing south. The table is covered with a white cloth. Black sesame seeds and barley seeds are spread over the table. An ancestor’s portrait is placed on the table.

Offering Pind

Ancestors are invoked and offered pind, which are rice or wheat balls. Pind is made using honey, rice or wheat, goat’s milk, sugar, and ghee.

Tarpan Offering

Tarpan is made by mixing water, flour, barley, kush, and black sesame seeds. This mixture is offered as Tarpan to the ancestors.

Feeding The Needy

After the Shradh and Tarpan rituals, food is offered to the poor and needy.

These rituals can be performed on any day during the 15-day Pitru Paksha period, with the culmination on Mahalaya day. The specific rituals and offerings are meant to show reverence and seek blessings for the departed ancestors.

Dos and Don’ts to follow during 15 days of Shradh

Dos of Pitru Paksha

• Offer food, water, and other items to your ancestors.
• Perform tarpan and shraddha rituals.
• Chant the Pitru Gayatri Mantra or other mantras dedicated to your ancestors.
• Read the Garuda Purana or other scriptures that discuss the importance of honouring one’s ancestors.
• Take a dip in the Ganges or other holy rivers.
• Donate to charity and help the needy.

Don’ts of Pitru Paksha

• Do not consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol.
• Do not eat certain foods such as chana (gram), masoor dal (lentils), mustard greens, and radish.
• Do not harm animals.
• Do not insult anyone.
• Do not perform any auspicious ceremonies such as weddings or engagements.
• Avoid anger and hatred.

Things To Remember 

• Avoid any obscene or disrespectful behaviour.
• Always wear clean and tidy clothes.
• Always speak the truth.
• Always donate to charity.

By following these dos and don’ts during Pitru Paksha, you can please your ancestors and bring peace to their souls.