Shradh Paksh, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a deeply revered period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors (Pitru). It is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month (as per the North Indian Hindu calendar) or the Ashwin month (as per the South Indian calendar). The term Shradh comes from “Shraddha,” meaning devotion, sincerity, and faith, while Paksha means fortnight.

 

Shradh Paksh Rituals – Significance, Procedure, and Complete Guide

The fortnight is considered the most auspicious time for performing rituals, offerings, and prayers for departed souls so that they attain peace in the afterlife and bless their descendants. It is believed that during these days, the souls of forefathers visit the Earth and accept offerings made by their living family members.

Historical and Scriptural Significance

The origins of Shradh rituals are mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Garuda Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata. The Garuda Purana describes Shradh as an essential duty for every Hindu to ensure the spiritual upliftment of their ancestors.

The Mahabharata narrates the story of Karna, who was denied food in the afterlife because he had donated gold and wealth during his lifetime but had never offered food or water to his ancestors. Upon realizing this, Lord Indra allowed Karna to return to Earth for 15 days to perform Shradh and offer food to his forefathers. This period became known as Pitru Paksha.

Dates and Duration

Shradh Paksh lasts for 15 lunar days, starting from the full moon of Bhadrapada month to the new moon (Amavasya). Each day of Shradh is called Tithi and is dedicated to specific ancestors based on their date of death according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Importance of Performing Shradh Paksh Rituals

  • Spiritual Duty – Performing Shradh is considered a Pitru Rina (debt towards ancestors) that every individual must repay.

  • Peace for Departed Souls – The rituals are believed to help souls attain Moksha (liberation).

  • Blessings for the Family – Ancestors, when pleased, bless their descendants with health, prosperity, and longevity.

  • Removal of Pitru Dosha – If certain rituals are ignored, it can result in Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic imbalance) which can affect family progress.

Who Should Perform Shradh?

Traditionally, the eldest male member of the family performs Shradh. However, in the absence of male members, women, including daughters and widows, can perform these rituals.

Rules and Precautions During Shradh Paksh

  • Purity and Cleanliness – The person performing Shradh should bathe early in the morning and wear clean clothes.

  • Simple Lifestyle – Avoid luxury, loud celebrations, and unnecessary travel during this period.

  • Food Restrictions – Onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and certain spices are prohibited.

  • Charity and Feeding – Cows, dogs, and crows should be fed as they are believed to carry offerings to the ancestors.

  • Avoiding Auspicious Ceremonies – Marriages, housewarmings, or new ventures are avoided during this fortnight.

Step-by-Step Procedure of Shradh Rituals

1. Choosing the Tithi

Determine the exact lunar day (Tithi) that matches the death date of the ancestor as per the Hindu Panchang.

2. Sankalp (Pledge)

The performer makes a solemn vow to complete the Shradh with devotion and to offer food and charity in the name of the departed soul.

3. Pind Daan

  • Rice balls (Pind) made of cooked rice, sesame seeds, barley flour, and ghee are offered.

  • These are usually offered near sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or at holy sites like Gaya, Haridwar, or Prayagraj.

  • Symbolizes providing food to ancestors in the spiritual realm.

4. Tarpan

  • Offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kush grass.

  • Done while chanting mantras invoking the names of ancestors.

5. Brahmin Bhoj

  • Feeding Brahmins is considered an integral part of Shradh.

  • Food is served on banana leaves and includes sattvic items like rice, dal, puri, seasonal vegetables, and kheer.

6. Feeding the Poor, Cows, and Animals

  • Giving food to crows, dogs, and cows is believed to directly reach ancestors.

7. Offering Donations

  • Clothes, utensils, grains, and money can be donated to Brahmins or the needy.

Types of Shradh

  1. Parvan Shradh – Done on the Tithi of the ancestor during Pitru Paksha.

  2. Ekoddishta Shradh – Performed for one specific ancestor, usually on the first year after their death.

  3. Sapindikaran Shradh – Merges the soul with the ancestors after one year.

  4. Tirtha Shradh – Performed at pilgrimage sites like Gaya, Prayagraj, or Haridwar.

Special Locations for Shradh

  • Gaya, Bihar – Considered the most sacred place for Pind Daan.

  • Haridwar, Uttarakhand – Holy confluence of the Ganga and sacred rituals.

  • Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.

  • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Moksha-dham for Hindus.

Food Served During Shradh

The food is always sattvic and prepared without onion, garlic, or strong spices. Common dishes include:

  • Plain rice

  • Moong dal or arhar dal

  • Seasonal vegetable curry

  • Pumpkin sabzi

  • Poori or chapati

  • Kheer (rice pudding)

  • Fruits

Common Beliefs and Myths About Shradh

  • Crows are messengers of the ancestors and accept food offerings on their behalf.

  • If crows eat the food quickly, it is considered a sign that ancestors are satisfied.

  • Ignoring Shradh rituals can result in misfortunes in the family.

FAQs About Shradh Paksh Rituals

  • Q1: Can women perform Shradh?
    Yes, women can perform Shradh if no male member is available.

    Q2: What happens if I miss the exact Tithi?
    You can perform it on the Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha.

    Q3: Can Shradh be done at home?
    Yes, it can be done at home, but performing it near sacred rivers or pilgrimage sites is preferred.

    Q4: Is Shradh necessary every year?
    Yes, it should be performed annually for peace of the departed soul.

    Q5: Can I do charity instead of full rituals?
    While charity is good, performing the proper rituals as per tradition is considered more beneficial.

Conclusion

  • Shradh Paksh is more than just a ritual—it is a way to express gratitude, love, and respect for our ancestors. By performing these rites with devotion, families not only help the departed souls in their journey towards liberation but also invite blessings and harmony into their lives.

    Observing Shradh ensures the continuity of spiritual traditions, strengthens the bond between generations, and upholds the values of remembrance and respect. Whether performed in holy towns like Gaya or within the home, what truly matters is the sincerity and faith with which it is done.