All The Details On Pitru Paksha 2024; Start Date And Time

India observes an array of festivals throughout the year. One such significant observance is Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitri Paksha or Shraddha, which kicks off on September 17 and ends on October 2. 

How is Pitru Paksha observed?

During these 16 lunar days, Hindus pay homage to their ancestors by performing Shraddha rituals, which involve offering special food, water, and prayers to the deceased.

What is the importance of the Shraddha ritual?

The Shraddha ritual is believed to provide relief to the souls of deceased ancestors from earthly attachments. Traditionally, the eldest son or a female family member performs the ceremony. According to Vedic astrology, Pitru Dosha, a negative impact of ancestral sin on a person’s life, can only be eliminated through the Shraddha ritual.

The key customs during Pitru Paksha involve offering rice balls mixed with sesame seed and barley flour known as Pind Daan, feeding the poor, and providing water mixed with sesame seeds known as Tarpan.

Important Dates for Pitru Paksha 2024:

The ritual starts with the day of the Full Moon - Purnima Tithi -  and ends with the New Moon -  Amavasya Tithi - in the Hindu calendar.

• September 17, 2024 - Purnima Shradh begins on September 17, 2024, at 11:44 am and ends on September 18, 2024, at 8:04 am
• September 18, 2024 - Pratipada Shradh begins on September 18, 2024, at 8:04 am and ends on September 19, 2024 at 4:19 am
• September 20, 2024 - Tritiya Shradh begins on September 19, 2024, at 12:39 am and ends on September 20, 2024, at 9:15 pm
• September 20, 2024 - Tritiya Shradh begins on September 20, 2024, at 12:39 am and ends on September 20, 2024, at 09:15 pm
• September 21, 2024 - Chaturthi Shradh begins on September 20, 2024, at 9:15 pm and ends on September 21, 2024, at 6:13 pm
• September 22, 2024 - Panchami Shradh begins on September 21, 2024, at 6:13 pm and ends on September 22, 2024, at 3:43 pm
• September 23, 2024 - Sashti Shradh begins on September 22, 2024, at 3:43 pm and ends on September 23, 2024, at 1:50 pm
• September 23, 2024 - Saptami Shradh begins on September 23, 2024, at 1:50 pm and ends on September 24, 2024, at 12:38 pm
• September 24, 2024 - Ashtami Shradh begins on September 24, 2024, at 12:38 pm and ends on September 25, 2024, at 12:10 pm
• September 25, 2024 - Navami Shradh begins on September 25, 2024, at 12:10 pm and ends on September 26, 2024, at 12:25 pm
• September 26, 2024 - Dashami Shradh begins on September 26, 2024, at 12:25 pm and ends on September 27, 2024 at 1:20 pm
• September 28, 2024 - Ekadashi Shradh begins on September 27, 2024, at 1:20 pm and ends on September 28, 2024, at 2:49 pm
• September 29, 2024 - Dwadashi Shradh begins on September 28, 2024, at 2:49 pm and ends on September 29, 2024, at 4:47 pm
• September 30, 2024 - Trayodashi Shradh begins on September 29, 2024, at 4:47 pm and ends on September 30, 2024, at 7:06 pm
• September 30, 2024 - Chaturdashi Shradh begins on September 30, 2024, at 7:06 pm and ends on October 1, 2024, at 9:39 pm
• October 1- 3, 2024 - Sarva Pitru Amavasya begins on October 1, 2024, at 9:39 pm and ends on October 3, 2024, at 12:18 am