Pitru Paksha 2025: When Does It Start?
Mark your calendars—Pitru Paksha 2025 starts on Sunday, September 7, and ends on Sunday, September 21.
This 16-day period, also called Sorah Shraddha, Mahalaya, Apara Paksha, and Pitarpas, is considered one of the most sacred times in the Hindu calendar. Families honor their ancestors through rituals like Shradh and Tarpan, believing that souls return to Earth during this time to bless their descendants.
The final day, Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya), falls on September 21 and is seen as the most powerful day for remembering all ancestors—even if you don’t know their exact date of passing.
Why Pitru Paksha Matters
Pitru Paksha isn’t about fear—it’s about gratitude. Families prepare simple vegetarian food, donate clothes, and offer prayers with sincerity. The belief is that performing these rituals brings peace to departed souls and harmony within families.
For those dealing with Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic imbalance), this period is especially important to seek relief through pujas and offerings. Places like Gaya in Bihar are considered the holiest spots to perform these rites.
Shradh Dates and Timings for Pitru Paksha 2025
Here are the key timings for this year:
- Start Date: September 7 (Full Moon Shraddha)
- End Date: September 21 (Sarvapitri Amavasya)
- Kutup Muhurat (best time for rituals): Usually around 11:50 AM – 12:45 PM daily
- Aparahna Kaal (afternoon prayers): Around 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, depending on the day
👉 Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to specific ancestors, so people perform Shradh according to the tithi (lunar day) their family member passed away on.
Pitru Paksha 2025 and the Zodiac Connection
This year, Pitru Paksha overlaps with a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), making it even more spiritually charged. Astrologers believe this cosmic combo will impact zodiac signs in different ways.
Here’s what each sign can expect:
- Aries: Let go of old habits; avoid unnecessary fights. Feeding crows brings peace.
- Taurus: Trust your instincts. Your ancestors are guiding you—perform Shradh sincerely.
- Gemini: Stay disciplined at work or risk setbacks. Offer prayers with faith.
- Cancer: Emotions may run high—avoid new relationships. Offer food to cows.
- Leo: Career breakthroughs are possible. Feed crows for blessings.
- Virgo: Focus on health; avoid long travel. Donate food and clothes to a Brahmin couple.
- Libra: Communication may feel stuck. Light a diya under a peepal tree daily.
- Scorpio: Stay calm in relationships; perform Pitru puja for harmony.
- Sagittarius: Competitors may test you, but blessings are on the way. Feed animals.
- Capricorn: Health first! Career hurdles can be eased with Pitru Tarpan rituals.
- Aquarius: Family life feels blessed—recite Geeta Path for your ancestors.
- Pisces: Business plans gain momentum. Wait until after Pitru Paksha for new ventures. Light a mustard oil diya under a peepal tree.
The Bigger Picture
Pitru Paksha is more than just rituals—it’s about remembering where we come from, seeking blessings, and living in harmony with ancestral energy. Whether you believe deeply in astrology or see it as tradition, these 16 days carry a unique spiritual weight that unites families across generations.
