When will Shradh begins in 2024? Know Pitru Paksha's start and end date, here's all you need

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Shraddha, is a significant 15-day period in the Hindu calendar. It begins during the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and concludes on the Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This sacred time is dedicated to honouring and performing rituals for deceased ancestors.

What is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha (also spelled as Pitri Paksha) is a period of reverence for ancestors, marked by specific Shradh rituals and a lifestyle change. The rituals performed during this time are believed to help ancestors attain moksha or liberation.

The final day of this period is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, which holds special significance and is the most important day for performing Shradh rituals.

Shradh 2024: Dates and Details

Shradh 2024 begins on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and ends on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Here’s a brief overview of the key dates:

Start Date and Time: The Pitru Paksha of 2024 starts with Bhadrapada Purnima, observed on Tuesday, September 17. The period continues with Purnima Shraddha (full moon) starting on Wednesday, September 18, which concludes with Pratipada Shraddha (the first day) on the same day.

End Date: The concluding day, Mahalaya Amavasya on Wednesday, October 2nd, is the most significant for performing Shradh rituals and often involves fasting and special prayers.

The Significance of Pitru Paksha 2024

During Pitru Paksha, Hindus focus on paying homage to their ancestors. Performing Shradh rituals during this period is believed to bring peace to the souls of the deceased and aid them in their journey to the afterlife. These practices are thought to cleanse ancestral karma and bring blessings from forefathers.

Key Shradh Rituals and Practices

1. Tarpan

Tarpan involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds (til) to the ancestors' souls. This ritual ensures that they have access to pure water in the afterlife.

2. Pinda Daan

This involves offering rice balls cooked with ghee and sesame seeds to the ancestors. It is believed to nourish their souls and support their journey in the afterlife.

3. Shradh Ceremony

Families may conduct an elaborate Shradh ceremony, which includes offering food, clothing, and other items to priests and Brahmins as an act of charity for the deceased.

4. Donations and Charity

Making donations and performing acts of charity in the name of ancestors are common practices during Pitru Paksha. These acts are believed to earn merit for both the living and the deceased.

5. Visiting Ancestral Sites

Many people visit their ancestral villages or burial sites to perform rituals and show their respect during this time.

6. Fasting

Some individuals choose to fast during Pitru Paksha as a mark of respect for the deceased.

Historical Context of Pitru Paksha

Hindu Scriptures

Various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and Puranas, discuss the importance of honouring ancestors and performing rituals for the deceased. It is believed that such acts help the souls of ancestors attain peace.

Mahabharata

The epic Mahabharata features a story about Karna, who performed charitable acts during Pitru Paksha, earning him great merit and illustrating the significance of good deeds during this period.

Bhagavad Gita

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of offering food to ancestors as an act of devotion, reinforcing the belief that such rituals help in seeking blessings and spiritual progress.

The Story of King Mahabali

King Mahabali's story is associated with Pitru Paksha. Known for his generosity, Mahabali was visited by Lord Vishnu during this period. Mahabali’s devotion earned him a boon to visit his subjects once a year, celebrated as Onam in Kerala.

Amavasya and Tarpan

Mahalaya Amavasya, the final day of Pitru Paksha, is crucial for performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, where Hindus offer food, water, and prayers to their ancestors.

Relevance Today

Pitru Paksha continues to be an important observance for Hindus. It is a time for families to come together to honour their ancestors through Shradh rituals and offerings. This period reinforces the connection between generations and emphasizes the impact of these rituals on both the living and the deceased.

By observing Pitru Paksha, Hindus seek to ensure a peaceful transition for their ancestors and promote spiritual well-being for themselves.