Pitra Paksha 2025 Dates & Shraddh Calendar 
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Pitra Paksha (also called Shraadhs or spelled Shraddhs) is the period of expressing gratitude to our ancestors and offering prayers for their well-being, wherever they may reside—in spirit or in higher realms of consciousness. It is a time when we acknowledge the role of our forefathers in shaping our lives and extend our devotion to them through rituals of remembrance.
In 2025, Pitra Paksha will begin on 7th September and conclude on 22nd September. The word Shraddh is derived from Shraddha, meaning deep faith, respect, and devotion. Pitra refers to ancestors, while Paksha denotes a lunar fortnight.
Also known as Pitru Paksha or Kanagat, this sacred 16-day period holds immense importance in Hindu tradition and culture. During these days, Hindus across the world pay homage to their ancestors by offering prayers, food, and respect in memory of departed souls.
Like many aspects of our culture, Pitra Paksha is rooted in ancient stories and traditions that explain its origin and significance. In this article, we will explore these stories in detail and provide insights into the rituals, meanings, and practices of Shraddh.
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitra Paksha starts on the Purnima of Bhadrapada month and ends on the Amavasya of Ashwin month, with each day dedicated to specific tithis for performing Shraddh.
The Shraadhs are starting from 7th September and ending on 21st September, 2025.
The 3rd and 4th Shraadhs are falling on the same date which is 10th September.
The following are the details in tabular format :
| Date | Day | Tithi | Shraadh Sequence |
| 7th September | Sunday | Bhadrapad Shukla Purnima | Purnima Shraadh |
| 8th September | Monday | Ashwin Krishna Pratipada | 1st Shraadh |
| 9th September | Tuesday | Ashwin Krishna Dwitiya | 2nd Shraadh |
| 10th September | Wednesday | Ashwin Krishna Tritiya and Chaturthi | 3rd and 4th Shraadhs |
| 11th September | Thursday | Ashwin Krishna Panchami | 5th Shraadh |
| 12th September | Friday | Ashwin Krishna Shashti | 6th Shraadh |
| 13th September | Saturday | Ashwin Krishna Saptami | 7th Shraadh |
| 14th September | Sunday | Ashwin Krishna Ashtami | 8th Shraadh |
| 15th September | Monday | Ashwin Krishna Navmi | 9th Shraadh |
| 16th September | Tuesday | Ashwin Krishna Dashmi | 10th Shraadh |
| 17th September | Wednesday | Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi | 11th Shraadh |
| 18th September | Thursday | Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi | 12th Shraadh |
| 19th September | Friday | Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi | 13th Shraadh |
| 20th September | Saturday | Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi | 14th Shraadh |
| 21st September | Sunday | Ashwin Krishna Amavasya | 15th / Sarv Pitra Shraadh |
Note: You may notice some differences in Shraddh dates depending on which calendar or Panditji you follow.
This happens because there are two ways of deciding a tithi (lunar day):
By duration of hours – If most hours of a tithi fall on a particular date, that date is taken as the Shraddh day.
Example: If Purnima tithi starts at 8:30 AM on 17th September and ends at 8:30 AM on 18th September, then 17th is counted as Purnima Shraddh since it holds more hours of that tithi.
By sunrise – Some Pandits say the tithi is tied to whichever tithi is present at sunrise.
Example: In the same case, since the Sun rises in Purnima tithi on 18th September, this method counts 18th as Purnima Shraddh.
Both methods are accepted in different traditions, which is why you may find variations in Shraddh calendars.
Disclaimer: Shraddh dates may vary slightly depending on different traditions and methods of tithi calculation. Please consult your family Pandit for guidance on the specific day you should observe.
In today’s times, both our religion and science remind us of the power of gratitude. It is said that when a person lives with gratitude in their heart, the body and mind become stronger and more capable of fighting difficulties, illnesses, or negativity. On the other hand, when one is stuck in complaints or sorrow, life becomes heavier and harder.
Indian culture has always emphasized showing respect and gratitude to everyone and everything that supports our life — the Sun, Moon, Earth, Water, Fire, Sky, parents, grandparents, spouse, children, and even animals who silently serve us. This is why acts like cow worship are an integral part of our traditions.
In the same way, Pitra Paksha (Shraddh) is a sacred period dedicated to our ancestors. We are here today only because they once walked this Earth. The genes they carried continue to live within us — shaping our looks, personality, nature, and even intelligence. By performing Shraddh, we express our love and gratitude towards them.
This practice is not unique to Hinduism alone. Christianity, Islam, and many cultures across the world also have traditions of honoring ancestors. For example, in Islam there is the concept of Sadqa-e-Jariya (continuous charity), which is very similar to the idea of doing good deeds so that the blessings reach those who have passed on. Many countries celebrate Ancestors’ Day, showing that remembrance is a universal human value.
According to Hindu belief, three generations above us — our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents — reside in a realm called Pitra Lok, which lies between Earth and Heaven. Shraddh rituals are performed especially for them. It is also believed that during Pitra Paksha, the souls of our ancestors visit us. When they see that we remember them with love, they feel content and, in turn, bless us. Their blessings bring peace, strength, and harmony into our lives
The most widely observed way of performing Shraddh (Pitra Poojan) includes the following steps:
Pind refers to sacred balls made from a mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, black sesame seeds, honey, and other ingredients.The exact composition may differ according to family traditions, local customs, or the place where the Shraddh is performed.These pindas are offered with prayers as a symbolic gesture of feeding and honoring the ancestors.
Tarpan means offering water to the ancestors.This water is often mixed with sesame seeds (til), which are considered highly auspicious and hold special importance in Hindu rituals.It is believed that tarpan helps quench the thirst of departed souls and brings them peace.
Food prepared during Shraddh is offered through priests, in temples, or given to needy people as a way of reaching the ancestors.It is also customarily given to cows, dogs, crows, and even ants.Hindu tradition holds that ancestors may symbolically visit in the form of crows during Pitra Paksha. On a deeper level, this reflects the age-old cultural teaching to show care and compassion to all living beings around us.
Giving charity during Shraddh is highly recommended.This may include donations to temples, priests, or directly to people in need.The act of charity is considered a way of spreading the goodwill of one’s ancestors and ensuring blessings for the family.
Practice meditation and calm reflection.
Engage in charity and acts of giving.
Spend time in introspection and self-improvement.
Serve and support the elderly, the needy, and the vulnerable.
Offer prayers and visit temples regularly.
Participate in satsang or read sacred and spiritual texts.
Avoid making big new purchases like a car or house during this period. The idea is to stay focused on the true purpose of Pitra Paksha—remembering your ancestors and offering them prayers and food.
A life of piety is encouraged. For this reason, abstaining from alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and practicing celibacy is recommended.
However, it is important to note that Hindu culture emphasizes bhaav (the spirit or intention) above strict rules. These guidelines are general, not absolute. There are even instances where people have dreamt of their ancestors asking for the very foods they enjoyed in life, including non-vegetarian dishes. This shows that what truly matters is the sincerity of your remembrance and offerings, rather than rigid rules.
What is Pitra Dosha?
The word Pitra refers to our ancestors. In astrology, Pitra Dosha in a horoscope means there are certain challenges connected to our ancestors (पितृ गण) that can create or are creating obstacles in different areas of life of the native.
Pitra Dosha may arise due to:
Astropatri has developed a detailed Pitra Dosha Calculator to check if your horoscope has Pitra Dosha, and whether it is strong or mild. If remedies are needed, we share them with full clarity.
Doing Shraadhs with proper rituals as well as right mindset is one of the easiest ways to reduce the impact of Pitra Dosha in one’s horoscope.
