How important is it to follow? : Pitru Paksha Rituals 2023

How important is it to follow? : Pitru Paksha Rituals 2023, Start and End Date, Facts

Honouring your ancestors and paying respect to those who were an integral part of your lives is the crux behind Pitru Paksha rituals. Hindus celebrate 15 days of Pitru Paksha believing that their deceased family members shall visit them during this period and bless them. During this auspicious time of the year, Hindus offer food, water and gifts in the name of their forefathers. Teekhafun brings for its readers all the necessary details about Pitru Paksha 2023 panchang.

Pitru Paksha start date and time

According to Drik Panchang, Pitru Paksha started on September 29, 2023 after 03:26 PM (IST). It started with Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima on 29th September, 23 and shall continue till 14th October’2023 Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya.

What is Pitru Paksha 2023 tithi?

Pitru Paksha is a Hindu calendar during which people worship their ancestors. During this time, spiritual rituals are observed and these 16 days are sacred as this is a means of offering homage to one’s forefathers.

Have a look at Pitru Paksha 2023 list

Tithi	Day and Date
Purnima	Friday, 29.09.23
Dwitiya	Saturday, 30.09.23
Tritiya	Sunday, 01.10.23
Chaturthi	Monday, 02.10.23
Panchmi	Tuesday, 03.10.23
Shsashthi	Wednesday, 04.10.23
Saptami	Thursday, 05.10.23
Ashtami	Friday, 06.10.23
Navami	Saturday, 07.10.23
Dashami	Sunday, 08.10.23
Ekadashi	Monday, 09.10.23
Magha	Tuesday, 10.10.23
Dwadhashi	Wednesday, 11.10.23
Trayodashi	Thursday, 12.10.23
Chaturdarshi	Friday, 13.10.23
Sarva Pitra Amavasya	Saturday, 14.10.23

 

Why is Pitru Paksha celebrated?

Going by Hindu mythology, 3 generations of our ancestors live in Pitrilok after their death. During Pitru Paksha or shradh, the God of death-Yama or Yamaraj allows these souls to go and visit their family members. Thus, the Hindu families offer food, gifts and water in the name of the departed souls to seek their blessings. It is further believed that by performing Pitru Paksha rituals, the souls of the deceased attain liberation and peace. It is also a means to cleanse ancestral karma.

The significance of Pitru Paksha rituals can be found in Mahabharata one of the important Sanskrit epics of India. It is said that Karana (an important character in Mahabharata, known as Daanveer Karana) performed Pitru Paksha rituals during these 14 days and this helped him earn good deeds. This was because after Karana died in the war of Mahabharata and went to paradise, he wasn’t given the normal food. On the contrary, he was given jewels and clothes. Agitated Karana asked Lord Indra the reason of this mistreatment. Lord Indra then told him that during his lifetime he had not offered anything to his ancestors. Hearing this, Karana sought permission to go back and perform Pitru Paksha rituals to attain peace.

Pitru Paksha rituals have been mentioned in the great Bhagwad Gita as well. Lord Krishna has mentioned the importance of Pitru Paksha rituals by saying that it is a way of one’s spiritual progress and a means of seeking the blessings of those who have left for the heavenly abode.

What are Pitru Paksha rituals 2023?

Pitru Paksha rituals at home or in the temples can be performed to help the departed souls find peace in life after death. The preparation for Pitru Paksha rituals begins with the eldest family member taking a bath, wearing new clothes and a ring made of kush grass (This special grass is said to invoke ancestors).

The following Pitru Paksha rituals are performed by the families of the deceased:

Tarpan:

Water and black sesame seeds (til) are offered to the departed souls. This Pitru Paksha ritual is done to provide access to pure water to the forefathers in their forward journey.

Pinda Daan:

To help the ancestors nourish their souls after death, rice balls and black sesame seeds are offered as a part of Pitru Paksha rituals.

Charity:

During Pitru Paksha, people give alms and donations to the destitute as an act of offering to their lost family members.

Fasting:

One of the ways of performing Pitru Paksha rituals at home is to go on a fast during this time. This is considered as a mark of respect to the one who is not amongst the family now.

Why is feeding birds and animals a part of  Pitru Paksha rules?

One of the important Pitru Paksha rules says that feeding food to birds and animals is a route to reach out to the ancestors. Hence, food offering is made to the following birds and animals:

Dog:

Since dogs represent water element, food is offered to them for a blessed life.

Cows:

Cows hold a sacred place in Hindu mythology and because they represent the Earth element, a portion of the offering from Pitru Paksha rituals is kept aside for the cows.

Crow:

It is believed that by offering food to the crow which symbolizes the air element, you please your ancestors.

Divine powers:

Deities symbolize the sky element and are thus offered food during Pitru Paksha rituals at home.

Ants:

These tiny creatures are a symbol of hard work and thus, the last offering goes to them.

What should you do during Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha 2023 date is 29th September 2023 and beginning from this date to 14th October, 2023, Hindus should try to follow the below-mentioned Pitru Paksha rules:

• Help the poor and donate whatever they can
• Try taking a dip in the holy Ganges
• Perform shraadh rituals and tarpan
• Chant Pitru Gayatri mantras
• Try reading the scriptures which tell about the importance of Pitru Paksha and honouring one’s ancestors.

What not to do in Pitru Paksha?

In the Pitru Paksha rituals 2023 all that needs to be done has been told. Now, have a look at some of the things which you should do during this time:

• Don’t perform any auspicious ceremonies like weddings, muhurat (house warming) etc. during this time
• Try not to consume alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
• Don’t harm animals
• Make sure you don’t insult anyone
• Keep yourself away from the feelings which bring in discomfort like hatred, jealousy etc.

Highlights of Pitru Paksha 2023

• Pitru Paksha begins on the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Badrapada. This year Pitru Paksha 2023 date is 29th September.
• People worship their ancestors during the 14 day period by performing tarpan and shradh rituals.
• Water mixed with kush grass, white flour, barley and black sesame known as tarpan is an important part of Pitru Paksha rituals.
• Pind Daan (cooked rice and black sesame seeds) is a way of satiating the hunger and thirst of the souls of the ancestors.
• Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered to be the most important day in the Pitru Paksha 2023 list. This year it falls on 14th October’2023.
• One of the important Pitru Paksha benefits is that by performing Pitru Paksha  rituals you help the deceased family members achieve Moksha( salvation)
• Inviting Brahmins at home and offering food, clothes and dakshina (money) to them is an integral part of Pitru Paksha rituals.

ALSO READ: When is Chaitra Purnima in 2024? What to Donate on Chaitra Purnima for Good Fortune?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pitru Paksha 2023 date and time?

Pitru Paksha 2023 or Shradh Paksha start date and time is:

• Start date: September 29, 2023; 03:26 PM
• End date: 15th October; 07:09AM

Why are Brahmins fed during Pitru Paksha rituals?

Feeding Brahmins during Pitru Paksha is said to remove Pitra Dosh from the horoscope.

What is the importance of Pitru Paksha?

The spiritual ceremonies which are performed during Pitru Paksha are a way of seeking the blessings of our ancestors and forefathers.

Which is the best day for Pitru Paksha pooja?

Sarvapitri Amavasya or the last Shradh is considered to be the best day.

ALSO READ: Chaitra Navratri 2024: When will Chaitra Navratri begin on April 8 or 9? Know Here

Conclusion

Pitru Paksha rituals 2023 should begin from 29.09.23 and must be done with utmost belief for the salvation of those who have now left us. May their souls rest in peace and their blessings be upon us is the underlying motive of Pitru Paksha rituals.