Pitru Paksha 2024 Understanding the Rituals of Shradh
Pitru Paksha 2024
The Hindu calendar’s Pitru Paksha, or “the fortnight of the ancestors,” is a very important time. Through the Shradh ceremonies, we can honor and pay our respects to our deceased ancestors in 2024 during this holy period. It is thought that at this time, the souls of our ancestors come to Earth, and offering Shradh facilitates their journey towards emancipation and serenity.
What is Shradh?
Offering food and prayers to the ancestors is the rite of Shradh. The word “Shradh” comes from the Sanskrit word “Shraddha,” which denotes dedication or faith. Because it is believed that these ceremonies will bless the living family members and offer peace to the departed souls, they are performed with great devotion.
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Pitru Paksha 2024 Dates
In 2024, Pitru Paksha takes place from September 17 to September 30. The best time to carry out Shradh rituals is thought to be during these 15 days. Shradh is performed every day for ancestors who departed on that particular lunar day (Tithi). The following dates are crucial to note during this time:
- Pratipada Shradh (First Day): September 17, 2024
- Navami Shradh (Ninth Day): September 25, 2024
- Trayodashi Shradh (Thirteenth Day): September 28, 2024
- Sarvapitru Amavasya (Last Day): September 30, 2024
Importance of Navami Shrad
On the ninth day of Pitru Paksha, Navami Shradh is celebrated. It is very important to perform rituals for female ancestors on this day. Families honor the women who have departed on this day, asking for their blessings for the family’s prosperity. Navami Shradh is also known as Matri Navami or Avidhava Navami
How to Perform Shradh
- Tarpan: The offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kush grass to the ancestors. Chanting mantras to invoke the blessings of the ancestors is part of this ceremony.
- Offering rice balls, or pindas, to the ancestors is known as pinda daan. Typically, cooked rice, barley flour, and sesame seeds are combined to make these rice balls, which represent the body of the deceased soul.
- Brahmin Bhoj: It is usual to feed and provide Dakshina (gift) to Brahmins (priests) following the performance of Tarpan and Pinda Daan. This is thought to appease the ancestors and bring about peace for them.
- Charity: A significant component of Shradh customs is giving food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. Charitable deeds performed during Pitru Paksha are said to benefit the family and the ancestors.
