Pitru Paksha 2023 Date: Pitru Paksha or Shraddha/Shraddha is a 15-day ritual observed by Hindus to remember their ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, the eldest son of the deceased performs Shraddha by offering tarpan to the ancestors living in Pitru Loka (the region between heaven and earth). Pitru Paksha or Shraddha begins during the full moon date of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and is scheduled to begin on September 29, 2023. Pitru Paksha will end on October 14, 2023, on the Amavasya date of Krishna Paksha or Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Let us know when Pitru Paksha starts.
Pitru Paksha 2023 start date
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha starts on 29th September this year and ends on the Amavasya date of Ashwin Krishna Paksha. This time Amavasya date falls on 14th October.
Why will Pitru Paksha start 15 days late?
Pitru Paksha ends on Ashwin Amavasya, it is called Sarvapitri Amavasya. Due to more months this year, Saavan was of two months, due to which all fasts and festivals will be delayed by 12 to 15 days. Usually, Pitru Paksha ends in September but this year Pitru Paksha will start at the end of September and continue till mid-October.
Pitru Paksha 2023: Significance
According to Hindu mythology, the souls of our past three generations reside in 'Pitri Loka', which is said to be the region between heaven and earth. This region is headed by Yama, the god of death. This is when it is believed that when someone from the next generation dies, the first generation is taken to heaven, bringing them closer to God. In the ancestral world, only the last three generations are given Shraddha rituals.
Why is it necessary to perform Shraddha in Pitru Paksha
In Pitru Paksha, Shraddha is performed for our ancestors according to their death date. It is believed that those who do not offer offerings to their ancestors during Pitru Paksha suffer from Pitrudosh. By performing Shraddha their soul gets satisfaction and peace. They are pleased with you and bless the entire family. Every year people go to Gaya and offer Pind Daan for the peace of the souls of their ancestors.
Why is Shraddha only for 16 days?
According to the scriptures, it is believed that no person dies on any date other than these sixteen dates. That is, whenever Shraddha of ancestors is performed, it should be done according to their date of death. Therefore Pitru Paksha Surf lasts for sixteen days. However, when the date decays, the number of Shraddha days increases to 15 but never increases.
How to perform Shraddh
Shraddha can also be performed in Gaya or on the banks of any holy river.
During this time, Pind Daan and food is offered to Brahmins to satisfy the ancestors.
If you are not able to do it at any of these two places, then you should go to a cow shelter and do it.
To perform Shraddha at home, take a bath in the morning before sunrise.
After this, wear clean clothes and pledge for Shraddha and charity.
Do not eat anything until the Shraddha is done.
At the same time, perform Shraddha in the eighth Muhurta of the day i.e. in Kutup Kaal which will last from 11:36 am to 12:24 pm.
Sit facing south, bending your left leg and keeping your knee on the ground.
After this, add barley, sesame seeds, rice, raw cow's milk, Ganges water, white flowers and water in the copper pot.
Take Kush in your hand and fill the Dal in your hand and drop it 11 times in the same vessel with the thumb of your straight hand.
Then offer kheer to the ancestors.
After this, keep food aside for the deity, cow, dog, crow and ant.
