Shradh, or Pitru Paksha, Shardh Paksha, according to the Hindu calendar, is one of the most holy rituals that a family of Hindus performs. This period is dedicated to honouring the family’s ancestors through rituals, prayers, and offerings. The belief is that during these days, ancestors visit their living heirs on earth to accept their love and offering of ritualistic food (Pinda Daan) and water (Tarpan). In 2025, Shradh will fall in September as per usual, and, like every other Shradh, it will be a time of spiritual reflection and renewing one’s gratitude, while also acknowledging and repaying one’s ancestral debts (Pitru Rin).
To properly perform the Shradh ceremonies, it is essential to know the specific dates for Shradh 2025. Shradh 2025 will commence on Sunday, 7 September 2025, according to the Hindu Panchang, and continues through Sunday, 21 September 2025. The start date is Purnima Shraddha, and the end date is the most important day for Shradh ceremonies, which is Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya). During these fifteen days, Hindus perform, according to the moon-based tithi (date), and the day of the week of each ancestor’s death, various Shradh ceremonies.
The Meaning and Significance of Shradh
The word Shradh is derived from Sanskrit, such as Shraddha, which translates to faith or devotion. This period indicates one’s genuine faith in their ancestors, which acknowledges the debt of existence owed to ancestors. According to Hindu belief, life continues even after life ends, so the souls of the dead need spiritual nourishment to continue flourishing toward moksha. Rituals of Shradh are performed as a means of spiritual and symbolically sustenance giving.
Shradh is not only performed as an act of remembrance but also as an act of gratitude. It strengthens the eternal connection of the living with the departed souls. Scriptures state that when Shradh is performed with devotion, it not only gives peace to the ancestors but they can also invokes wealth, safety, and peace upon the family. However, if one does not perform this duty, the person may invite Pitru Dosha upon their lives, an ancestral imbalance that is reflected in one experiencing obstacles within their life, their career, or their health.
The Observance of Shradh 2025
Shradh occurs during the Krishna Paksha phase of the lunar month of Bhadrapada after Ganesh Chaturthi. It encompasses the 15 days from the full moon day (Purnima) until the new moon (Amavasya). In 2025, Shradh will be observed from 7 September until 21 September. Each day of Shradh is devoted to the performance of Shradh for an individual ancestor who passed away on the respective tithi (lunar date, which behaves like a calendar).
The last day, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is the most significant day of Shradh because it is the only day when one can perform Shradh for all ancestors together. This is particularly helpful for ancestors when one is not certain of the tithi of the ancestors’ demise. The last day is especially important and considered to be the same as Mahalaya, a day celebrated in some form across a variety of areas of India to mark the beginning of the Devi Paksha or the arrival of Goddess Durga on the Earth. Millions of people will commit to Tarpan in a river or holy place on this day while offering prayers to all ancestors, both identified and unidentified.
Religious Importance and Belief
Shradh is extremely important spiritually in the Hindu Tradition. It is believed that during the observable time of Pitru Paksha, the ability to distinguish between the physical world and the spiritual world become hazy, and the Ancestors will travel to their descendants to receive the offerings left behind. This is noted through the Garuda Purana and other sacred texts stating that when a descendant is offering this to their ancestors with a pure heart and trust in the process and rules regarding the offerings, this would allow the ancestors to love in peace or soothe their souls in the afterlife.
One well-known story associated with Shradh is from the Mahabharata. when the warrior Karna died and reached heaven, he was given gold and jewels instead of food. Confused, Karna asked Lord Indra why he did not receive food. Indra replied that while Karna was very generous during his life, he never offered any food to his ancestors. Upon refelcting on this, Karna was given permission to return for fifteen days to practice the Shradh and be able to offer food and water to his ancestors. This fifteen day period is considered the time where the origin of Pitru Paksha is generated through Karna’s experience on form of their own right.
Devotees convey their love through Shradh, and they also reflect a desire for the spiritual energy of their lineage to be intact and unbroken. Shradh rituals also remind participants of the impermanence of life and inspire them to live justly today to create good karmic imprints for their descendants.
Traditional Practices During Shradh 2025
Shradh practices may vary from region to region and family to family, though the intent remains the same: to honour our ancestors with offerings, prayers and acts of charity.
The individual performing the ritual (the Karta) begins the day with a bath of purification, as well as clean or traditionally white clothing. The activities generally take place during the Aparahna Kaal (afternoon), as this time is considered most auspicious. The rites commence with the invocation of Lord Vishnu and Yama, the god of death, followed by an invocation of the ancestors to partake of the offerings prepared.
The main elements of the Shradh ritual are called Pinda Daan, Tarpan and Brahman Bhojan. Pinda Daan refers to a part of the ritual in which small balls of rice mixed with sesame seeds, barley, honey and ghee are offered as a symbolic nourishment for the ancestors. Tarpan involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley while chanting mantras as a way to show respect, as well as spiritual connection with the ancestors. Brahman Bhojan is acts of charity by feeding Brahmins or the poor, which represents the transfer of ancestral blessings and protection from ancestors to descendants.
It is a tradition to provide food to crows because, in the folklore of the festival, crows are viewed as the messengers of the ancestors. To see a crow enjoy the food during Shradh is a sign that the offerings have been delivered to the relevant soul and is considered a good omen.
On the last day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, a universal Shradh is performed. Families gather near the banks of sacred rivers or lakes and/or under sacred trees such as the Peepal tree to participate in a group ritual. The belief is that this action provides you peace not just to your forefathers but to the peace of all souls that have departed on behalf of the entirety of the family.
What to Do and What Not to at Shradh 2025
There a plenty of traditions customs that were practiced by our ancestors during the Shradh transit. One should try, as best they can live in a puritanical state of mind, speech, and actions. The Karta should lead utility life during the Shradh days and refrain from: excessive eating and activities, celebrations, commencing projects such as sacred union/marriage, purchasing property or a home or commencing to take possession, engaging in new livelihood options like business, etc… Shradh during the days of Day – a time for lack of excess, reflection, and remembrance, not enlightenment.
Traditionally for these fifteen days those that identify themselves as a believer do not consume non vegetarian foods, alcohol [meaning products that contain turpentine] or engage in eating products containing garlic or onion. Humility and cleanliness is important because that speaks to respect for your actions and ancestors. Technically during this inauspicious time, one should not cut their hair or nails or wear bright and ostentatious clothing.
People are taught that it is a good time to feed the animals, and to offer needy individuals with food, clothing or money, and engage in charitable works. Engaging in charitable or good works causes generative energy or positive aspirational karma, and the blessings of your ancestors.
Astrological and Spiritual Significance
Through a western astrological lens, Shradh 2025 happens when the Sun is transiting Virgo (Kanya Rashi) and the Moon is waning towards Amavasya. This period represents humility, service and should resonate with the intention of Shradh, which is to honour and serve those who have come before us. The Sun moving to the southern hemisphere (Dakshinayan) also represents moving inwards and tends to be a spiritually charged time for prayer, meditation, and repentance.
Astrologers and priests often say, performing Shradh rituals during this time can relieve Pitru Dosha (afflictions from one’s ancestors or lineage) present in one’s horoscope. Pitru Dosha is said to bring recurring stressors present in health concerns, finance, and relationships. Thus, through Shradh rituals and showing gratitude to our ancestors for all that they did, we can restore harmony and bring fortunate abundance and peace into our lives.
The Broader Message of Shradh
Beyond ritualism, Shradh carries a profound message of remembrance and gratitude. It reminds us that our lives are built upon the sacrifices of countless generations before us. Performing Shradh is not just a religious obligation but a moral and emotional one. It encourages humility, compassion, and the understanding that life is a continuum where every action influences the next generation.
By observing Shradh with faith and sincerity, one not only brings peace to departed souls but also invokes their blessings for the well-being of the family. The ritual becomes a bridge between the past, present, and future, ensuring that the lineage continues in harmony and divine grace.
Shardh 2024: What to Offer
Shradh 2025, referred to as Pitru Paksha 2025, will occur from 7 September to 21 September 2025. This sacred 15-day period is all about expressing our appreciation and gratitude to our ancestors through offerings and prayers. Each day is its own sacred acknowledgement, culminating in Sarva Pitru Amavasya, or the day for all ancestors, known and unknown.
Shradh, performed with proper intention and a pure heart, creates blessings, removes obstacles, and opens channels to establish spiritual foundations within the family. Regardless of the order or style of Shradh, all traditions and practices land on the same premise: love, honour, remembrance and deep respect to those who came before us. Shradh is not about the past; it is about being a vessel and continuing the light of the ancestor’s legacy into the future, allowing souls to rest with peace or provide abundance for the next generation to ensure prosperity moving forward.