Pitru Paksha starts today, know the dates, rules and methods of performing Shradh

Pitru Paksha 2024: The days of Pitru Paksha have a very special significance in Hinduism. We consider the ancestors of our family who have passed away as ancestors. After death, when a person is not born, he lives in the subtle world. Then, the blessings of the ancestors are received by the family members from the subtle world. In Pitru Paksha, the ancestors come to earth and pay attention to their people and remove their problems by blessing them. 

In Pitru Paksha, we remember our ancestors and follow charity in their memory. According to religious beliefs, if the ancestors get angry, obstacles start arising in the progress of the house. Shradh rituals are performed in a special period of fifteen days in the year and it has started from today. Shradh Paksha is also known as Pitru Paksha and Mahalaya. According to the Hindu calendar, starting from the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month till Sarvapitre Amavasya is called Pitru Paksha or Shradh Paksha.

Dates of Shradh in Pitru Paksha (Pitru Paksha 2024 Shradh Tithiyan)

Timings of rituals in Pitru Paksha

Kutup Muhurta – 18 September i.e. tomorrow from 11:50 am to 12:39 pm

Rauhin Muhurta – from 12:39 pm to 1:28 pm

Afternoon Muhurta – from 1:28 pm to 3:55 pm

How to remember ancestors during Pitru Paksha? 

We should regularly offer water to our ancestors during Pitru Paksha. This water is offered in the afternoon while facing south. Black sesame seeds are mixed in the water and Kusha grass is held in the hand. On the day of the ancestor’s death anniversary, food and clothes are donated. On the same day, food is also provided to a poor person. After this, the rituals of Pitru Paksha end.

How to perform Tarpan in Pitru Paksha (Pitru Paksha Tarpan Vidhi)

Every day before sunrise take a Judi (a kind of a bracelet) and place it under a Peepal tree, facing south. Fill a small pot with some Ganga water and the rest with plain water. Add some milk, sugar, black sesame seeds and barley in the pot and pour water on the Kusha Judi 108 times with a spoon. Keep reciting this mantra on every spoonful of water.

Who can offer water to ancestors

The senior male member of the family can perform tarpana daily. Or in his absence, any male member of the family can perform tarpana. Grandsons and granddaughters also have the right to perform tarpana and shraddha. Also, nowadays women can also perform tarpana and shraddha. Just keep in mind that you should follow the precautions of Pitru Paksha.

Take precautions during Pitru Paksha

1. During this period, one should take bath in both the times and remember the ancestors

2. Offer tarpan to ancestors during Kutup time and tarpan has special importance during this time.

3. Kusha and black sesame seeds have special importance in Tarpan. Performing Tarpan with Kusha and black sesame seeds gives amazing results.

4. Anyone who observes Pitru Paksha should consume satvik food during this period.

5. Offer only white flowers with mild fragrance to the ancestors. Flowers with strong fragrance are prohibited.

6. Apart from this, offer tarpan and pinda daan to ancestors while facing towards south.

7. Recite Geeta every day during Pitru Paksha.

8. At the same time, one should never perform Shraddha rituals by taking loan or under pressure.