The Hindu month of Bhadrapada is here and that also means the mourning period of Shradh will begin soon. The 15-day lunar period refers to a time when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. The specific period of time is referred to as Pitru Paksha. It starts right after the end of Ganeshotsav, which is a happy festive occasion seeing the worship of Lord Ganesha. Pitru Paksha 2019 will start with Purnima Shradh on September 13 and go on till  Sarva Pitru Amavasya on September 28. A traditional Puja is organised to gratify the wishes of one's ancestors.

It is said that one must pay respects to one's ancestors even before worshipping God during these days. It is time to remember the members who have passed away and pay honour to them. There is a belief that during the time of Pitru Paksha, ancestors come to the Earth and bless their kin. Followed by people of the Hindu community, a special meal is prepared and offered to the ancestral souls. Mahalaya 2018: Date & Significance of the Day When Pitru Paksha Ends & Goddess Durga Descends On Earth.

Shradh 2019 Pitru Paksha Calendar

13th September – Purnima Shradh

14th September – Pratipada Shradh

15th September – Dwitiya Shradh

17th September – Tritiya Shradh

18th September – Maha Bharani, Chaturthi Shradh

19th September – Panchami Shradh

20th September – Shashthi Shradh

21st September – Saptami Shradh

22nd September – Ashtami Shradh

23rd September – Navami Shradh

24th September – Dashami Shradh

25th September – Ekadashi Shradh

26th September – Magha Shradh, Dwadashi Shradh

27th September – Travodashi Shradh, Chaturdashi Shradh

28th September – Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Significance of Pitru Paksha

The relevance of Shradh dates back to the Mahabharata. Legends state, after the war between Kauravas and Pandavas, Karna died on the field. On reaching the gates of heaven, he was offered food in the form of gold and silver. He could not eat the jewellery pieces so he asked for food that he could actually consume. Lord Indra told Karna that throughout his life, he donated a lot to his people in terms of gold or silver but not in any form of foodstuff or kind. So, Indra allowed him to go back to the Earth for 15 days so he could serve his ancestors better. This period during which Indra returned to the Earth is refered as Shradh.

The last day of the Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya. It is the most significant day of the mourning period. On this day, those who do not know the exact date of the death anniversary of their ancestors, they pay homage on this particular day. Performing the ritual of Shradh is said to give peace to the departed souls, so it is done with utmost tradition.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 04:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).