Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh, is a period of 16 days that begins after Anant Chaturdashi. Pitru Paksha starts on the Purnima Tithi, or the full moon day, during the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the moon, in the Ashwini month. This year, Pitru Paksha 2023 will commence on Friday, September 29, 2023, and last until October 14, 2023. Pitru Paksha is an important period for the Hindus as they offer prayers to their ancestors using a ritual known as Shradh by offering prayers, food, and water to the departed souls of the family. From Offering Pind Daan to Performing Shradh, Here’s Everything You Must Know Before Observing the Hindu Lunar Period.

The significance of Shradh is mentioned in holy scriptures like the Agni Puran, Vayu Puran, and Garuda Puran, among a few other sacred texts. Shradh is an ancient tradition carried out in memory of the departed souls. The rituals of Shradh are performed according to the lunar calendar, and the date of the puja is based on the tithi that the ancestor died.

Pitru Paksha 2023 Start and End Dates

Date Shradh
September 29, 2023 Purnima Shradh
September 29, 2023 Pratipada Shradh
September 30, 2023 Dwitiya Shradh
October 1, 2023 Tritiya Shradh
October 2, 2023 Chaturthi Shradh
October 3, 2023 Panchami Shradh
October 4, 2023 Shashthi Shradh
October 5, 2023 Saptami Shradh
October 6, 2023 Ashtami Shradh
October 7, 2023 Navami Shradh
October 8, 2023 Dashami Shradh
October 9, 2023 Ekadashi Shradh
October 10, 2023 Magha Shradh
October 11, 2023 Dwadashi Shradh
October 12, 2023 Trayodashi Shradh
October 13, 2023 Chaturdashi Shradh
October 14, 2023 Amavasya Shradh

Pitru Paksha holds great importance in Hinduism as it is a dedicated time to make the souls of the deceased ancestors happy. As per the ancient scriptures, Pitru Paksha is when the souls of the departed wander around the world in search of liberation. Hence, to ensure that these souls find peace, Hindus perform all the mandatory rituals during this period. It is a way of repaying our dues to their ancestors who are no longer with us.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2023 05:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).