In 2025, Shradh Paksha (Pitru Paksha) will begin on 7th September (Sunday) and continue till 21st September (Sunday). The last day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, will be observed on 21st September. During this period, devotees perform rituals like Tarpan, Pinddaan, Panchbali Karma, and Brahmin Bhojan to honor their ancestorsPerforming these rituals is believed to liberate ancestors from worldly bonds, remove Pitru Dosh, and clear life’s obstacles.Best Time to Perform ShradhBetween 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM Shradh Samagri listFood Items: Rice, lentils, vegetables (pumpkin, gourd, arbi), milk, curd, ghee, honey, jaggery, black sesame seeds, barley (yava). Some families also prepare kheer.Puja Items: Kush grass (darbha), roli, sandalwood, akshat, Gangajal, flowers, garland, incense, lamp (diya), ghee/oil, camphor, janeu (sacred thread).Other Items: Earthen pot (kalash), new clothes (donation for Brahmins), mat/aasan, fruits, sweets, dakshina (money), copper lota, banana leaves or pattal, and vessels for tarpan.
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Wear a Kush ring (Pavitri).
- Fill a copper pot with water, adding black sesame and barley.
- Sit or stand facing south.
- Perform Dev Tarpan (facing east) using the tips of four fingers.
- Now perform Rishi Tarpan (facing north) through the region below the little finger.
- Finally Perform Pitru Tarpan (facing south, with janeu on the right shoulder) through the region between index finger and thumb, while chanting the names of ancestors along with your gotra.
- If names are not remembered, offer tarpan for “unknown ancestors of my clan.”
- Pitru Tarpan Mantra
- Om Tarpayami Pitran, Pitran Tarpayami…Gotre Asmatpitamaha (Paternal Grandfather’s name) Sharmanah Vaso Swaroopam, Amuk Gotrasya Asmatpitri (Father’s name) Sharmanah Rudra Swaroopam, Amuk Gotrasya Asmanmatamah (Maternal Grandfather’s name) Sharmanah Aditya Swaroopam, Pitru Tarpayami.
