Pitru Paksha 2022 : Dates, Significance and Rituals of Shradh Paksha

Pitru Paksha or Shradh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha is a 16-day holy ritual in which Hindus remember and respect their ancestors.  Pitru Paksha 2022 will start from September 10 i.e. Bhadrapada Purnima and ends on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is on September 25. According to Hindu Panchang, during this 16-day period, which begins on the full moon, ancestors come to Earth to shower blessings on their descendants. The family’s eldest son performs the Shradh by making offerings for ancestors thought to be residing in Pitru Lok (the realm between Heaven and Earth).

During the Shradh Paksha, the family prepares special food and offers it to priests before they can consume it. In addition to offering food to the priests representing the ancestors, the crows representing Yama (the guardian of Pitru Lok) receive it as well. Hindus believe that Pitru Paksha and Shradh are necessary to ensure their ancestor’s access to Heaven. 

Pitru Paksha 2022: Dates and Tithis 

This year’s Pitru Paksha start form Saturday, September 10th, 2022 and will end on Sunday, September 25th. Pitru Paksha dates depend on lunar cycles. As per Hindu calendar Shradh’s start from the full moon (Poornima) and end on the new moon (Amavasya). 

The Shradh Paksha begins on the Shukla Paksha, Purnima of Bhadrapada month and end on Krishna Paksha Amavasya of Aswin month of Hindu Calendar.

Sr. no.
Day & Date
Tithi
1 Saturday, September 10, 2022 Purnima ka Shradh
2 Sunday, September 11, 2022 Pratipada/ Padwa ka Shradh
3 Monday, September 12, 2022 Dwitiya/ Doj ka Shradh
4 Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Tritiya ka Shradh
5 Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Chauth ka Shradh
6 Thursday, September 15, 2022 Panchami ka Shradh
7 Friday, September 16, 2022 Shashthi ka Shradh
8 Saturday, September 17, 2022 Saptami ka Shradh
9 Sunday, September 18, 2022 Ashtami ka Shradh
10 Monday, September 19, 2022 Navami ka Shradh
11 Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Dasami ka Shradh
12 Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Ekadasi ka Shradh
13 Thursday, September 22, 2022 Baras ka Shradh
14 Friday, September 23, 2022 Teras ka Shradh
15 Saturday, September 24, 2022 Chaturdashi ka Shradh
16 Sunday, September 25, 2022 Amavasya ka Shradh

Shradh Paksha: Significance and Beliefs 

According to the Hindu Scriptures like Garuda Purana, Agni Purana etc. the soul has to wander in various world after death. When a person passes away, their soul goes through severe suffering from several things, including sorrow and even hunger. Therefore, Shradh is performed to pacify the departed ancestors. 

The 16 days of Pitru Paksha are when the soul can feed and feel satisfied. Hence, the family members offer food and water to the ones who are no longer alive. Therefore, the ritual of Shradh occurs.

According to Hindu mythology, “Pitru Lok,” the zone between Heaven and Earth, is home to the souls of our three previous generations. The God of death, Yama, is in charge of this world. According to common perception, the first generation is taken to heaven when a member of the next generation passes away, bringing them closer to God. 

During Pitru Paksha, auspicious activities should be avoided since they are believed to affect the souls of the ancestors. The scriptures restrict marriage, grooming, the home entrance of brides or newborns, other auspicious work, or purchasing anything new during this time.

Even those who have Pitru Dosh in their horoscopes can get rid of these flaws by taking special steps to honour their ancestors during Pitru Paksha. Since ancient times, it has been traditional to do Pind Daan for the ancestors during Pitru Paksha. Some individuals offer Pind Daan to their ancestors by travelling to Kashi and Gaya.

During Pitru Paksha, families organize Brahmin Bhoj and make offerings to their ancestors. According to mythology, the ancestors’ souls will not be satisfied and will not find peace if Shradh is not performed during Pitru Paksha. The ancestors send their families happiness and prosperity because they are happy with Pitru Tarpan.

Shradh/ Pitru Paksha 2022: Rituals

  • 1. The family’s eldest son wakes up early in the morning and bathes in holy water.
  • 2. Puja participants who are doing Shradh rites should dress neatly.
  • 3. Place an ancestor’s portrait facing south on a wooden table.
  • 4. For the Pind Dan ritual: A pind is made from balls made of ghee, honey, rice, goat’s milk, sugar, and barley.
  • 5. Then comes the Tarpan, which involves combining water with flour, barley, kush, and black sesame.
  • 6. The poor and underprivileged are provided pind and tarpan.
  • 7. If you are the one making tarpan offerings to your ancestors during the Pitru Paksha period, you must maintain holiness. 
  • 8. Offering the special food to priests and crows.
  • 9. Since Pitru Paksha is a period of penance, it is crucial to maintain calmness throughout these 16 days.