Pitru Paksha (Shradh) – Respect to Ancestors – October 2012

Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksh, Shradh, Sola Shraddha and Pitr Paksh is a very auspicious festival for Hindus all around the world. Pitru Paksha falls on the dark fortnight of Ashvina, which usually begins late September or early October according to the English calendar.  Pitru Paksha is a special occasion where Hindus perform rituals for deceased ancestors to keep their souls obliged for years and pay their respects. It is also an occasion to repay debt to ancestors by satisfying their souls. Pitru Paksha is performed for their forefathers with immediate relatives usually up to preceding 3 generations. Therefore, these rituals are performed by the descendants of departed relative in order to keep their soul at rest.

Giving food to the hungry (also known as annadaana) is a critical part of the rituals during Shradh’s 16 days. On all these days, offerings are made to the departed, including those whose names or manner of death are not known. On these days tarpan, shraaddha and pinda daan are performed daily according to the procedures under the guidance of a pundit (priest). Although these rites are to be carried out daily in this fortnight, it is considered that to perform them on the last day. The performance of Shraddha by a son during Pitru Paksha is regarded as important by many Hindus. The scriptures preach that a householder should propitiate ancestors (Pitris), along with the gods (devas), ghosts (bhutas) and guests. The scripture Markandeya Purana says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation (moksha) upon the performer.

The Chakra team pays their respect to all our ancestors and wishes everyone an auspicious Pitru Paksha.

 

Pitru Paksha / Shradh 2012 Dates and Time-line
September 30, 2012 – Mahalya Pitru Paksha begins – Pratipada and Purnima Shradh on the same day (Purnima Shradh is performed on September 30 morning before 7:56 AM./ Pitru Paksha Pratipada Shradh is performed after 7:57 AM on September 30. More details)
October 1, 2012 – Dwitiya Shradh
October 2 – Tritiya Shradh
October 4 – Chaturthi Shradh
October 5 – Panchami Shradh
October 6 – Shasti Shradh
October 7, 2012 – Saptami Shradh
October 8, 2012 – Ashtami Shradh
October 9, 2012 – Navami Shradh – Avidhava Navami Shradh – For women who passed when there husbands were alive.
October 10, 2012 – Dasami Shradh
October 11, 2012 – Ekadashi Shradh
October 12, 2012 – Dwadashi Shradh
October 13, 2012 – Trayodashi Shradh
October 14, 2012 – Chaturdashi Shradh
October 15, 2012 – Mahalaya Amavasi – Most important day of Shradh