In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is the rituals performed by relatives for the departed souls of dead ancestors, parents and relatives. Tarpan and Shraddha are performed on all Amavasya or no moon days. But the most important period to perform Shradh is the Pitru Paksha period during the Krishna Paksha fortnight in Ashwin month (September – October). In some regions this period is the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha.
September 7, 2025 – Purnima Shradh
September 8, 2025 – Pratipada Shraddha (Pratipada Shraddha, also known Dehhitr Pratipada Shraddha, is
the first day of the Shraddh during the Pitru Paksha period in Ashwin
month in traditional calendar in North India. )
September 9, 2025 – Dwitiya Shradh
September 10 – Tritiya Shradh
September 11 – Chaturthi Shradh
September 12 – Panchami Shradh
September 13 – Shasti Shradh
September 14 – Saptami Shradh
September 15 – Ashtami Shradh
September 15 – Navami Shradh (Avidhava Navami) – Avidhava Navami Shradh – For women who passed when there husbands were alive.
September 16, 2025 – Dashami Shradh
September 17 – Ekadashi Shradh
September 18 – Dwadashi Shraddha
September 19 – Trayodashi Shradh
September 20 – Chaturdashi Shradh
September 21, 2025 – Mahalaya Amavasi – Most important day of Shradh – On this day Shradh can be performed without looking date, tithi, nakshatra etc – it is known as Sarva Pitru Shradh and (Pitra Visarjan).
Rules during Shradh Period – Dos and Don’ts during Pitri Paksha Shradh Fortnight
These dos and don’ts are primarily followed in North, West and Eastern parts of India and it is to be followed for a fortnight – 15 days starting from Krishna Paksha Pratipada to Mahalaya Amavasya.
- The person performing shradh should not smoke, eat pan, drink alcohol, have sexual intercourse and get a massage.
- The person should not undertake long distance journey.
- The person should eat only that is served first. He/she should not take a second serving.
- The person should avoid arguments and fights.
- The person should not invite more than three relatives.
- The person performing Shradh should not be truthful. Avoid lying and taking part in business deals.
Importance of Pitru Paksha Shraddh – Annual Rituals to Dead Ancestors
Shradh offered during Pitru Paksha (dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha) in the month of Ashwin (September – October) is of great importance in Hindu religion. Shraddh is the ceremonies and rituals performed for the departed souls of dead ancestors. It is believed that the souls will attain peace by the Shraddh rituals performed during the fortnight.
As per Hindu teachings, the Shraddh performed on Ashwin Pitru Paksha reaches the ancestors immediately and their souls will rest in peace. Hindu Puranas are full of details about Shraddh, especially Agni Purana, Garuda Purana and Matsya Purana. It is Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology, who explained the importance of Shraddha performed on Pitru Paksha.
The rituals are usually performed under the guidance of a learned person or priest.
Bharani Shraddha – Maha Bharani Shraddha
Bharani Shraddha is observed when the Bharani Nakshatra or asterism falls during the Pitru Paksha Shradh fortnight. It usually falls on the Chaturthi (fourth) or Panchami (fifth) day of the Pitru Paksha Shraddh rituals. Bharani Shraddha 2025 date is on September 12.
Apara Paksha in Odisha
Apara Paksha is observed during the Krishna Paksha of Bhadra month in Odisha. Apara Paksha is dedicated to observing Shradh rituals for dead relatives, parents and ancestors. It is observed for 15-days and begins the day after the Purnima or full moon day in Bhadra month. In 2025, Apara Paksha begins on September 8 to September 21, 2025 with Mahalaya rituals.
Gajachayai
Gaja Chayai is observed annually during the Mahalayam fortnight which falls before Ashwin Navratri (September – October). Gaja Chayai 2025 date is September 19. It is observed on the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi or the thirteenth day. This day is chosen by those people who do not perform paksha mahalaya – rituals on all 15 days. This fortnight is popularly known as Pitru Paksha Shradh.
Observing one day Shradham is known as Sakrun Mahalayam. Sakrun Mahalayam is in addition to the Amavasya Shradh, which should be performed by all people.
What If I Could Not Perform or Do Shradh During Pitru Paksha Period?
If you could not perform or do shradh during pitru paksha period then you can do it before Kartik month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India.
Shradh occurs during Ashwin Krishna Paksha in North India calendar. The corresponding period in other regions is the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha.