Pitru Paksha 2025 : Hindu Americans to Begin Observance on September 7

Pitru Paksha 2025: Hindu Americans to Begin Observance on September 7

By Lokanath Mishra

Hindu communities across the United States are preparing to mark Pitru Paksha 2025, a sacred 16-day ritual period dedicated to honoring ancestors and forefathers. This year, Pitru Paksha will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2025 (Bhadrapada Purnima) and conclude on Sunday, September 21, 2025 (Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya).

What is Pitru Paksha?

In Hindu tradition, Pitru Paksha—also known as Shraddha Paksha—is a deeply spiritual period when families pay homage to their departed ancestors through rituals, prayers, and acts of charity (daan). The term “Pitru” refers to ancestors, while “Paksha” means a lunar fortnight.

It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors visit the Earthly realm to bless their descendants. By performing the Shraddha rituals with devotion, families not only express gratitude but also help their forefathers attain moksha—spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Rituals and Practices
• Shraddha Rituals: Traditionally performed by the eldest son or a male family member, these ceremonies include offerings of food (pinda daan), water, and prayers for the peace of the departed soul.
• Charity and Feeding the Needy: Donating food, clothes, or money to Brahmins, priests, and the poor is considered highly meritorious.
• Cooking Favorite Dishes of Ancestors: Families prepare meals believed to be loved by their forefathers, symbolizing love, remembrance, and respect.
• Spiritual Restrictions: During Pitru Paksha, new beginnings such as weddings, property purchases, or jewelry buying are traditionally avoided. The focus is instead kept on devotion and remembrance.

Importance of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is regarded as one of the most sacred observances in Hinduism. Hindus believe that honoring ancestors not only brings peace to the departed souls but also invokes their blessings for prosperity, health, and harmony within the family. This time emphasizes the values of gratitude, remembrance, and the continuity of family lineage.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Complete Schedule:
Date
Shraddh
Tithi Timings
September 7, 2025
Purnima Shraddh
01:41 AM (Sep 7) – 11:38 PM (Sep 7)
September 8, 2025
Pratipada Shraddh
11:38 PM (Sep 7) – 09:11 PM (Sep 8)
September 9, 2025
Dwitiya Shraddh
09:11 PM (Sep 8) – 06:28 PM (Sep 9)
September 10, 2025
Tritiya Shraddh
06:28 PM (Sep 9) – 03:37 PM (Sep 10)
September 11, 2025
Chaturthi Shraddh
03:37 PM (Sep 10) – 12:45 PM (Sep 11)
September 12, 2025
Panchami Shraddh
12:45 PM (Sep 11) – 09:58 AM (Sep 12)
September 13, 2025
Shashthi Shraddh
09:58 AM (Sep 12) – 07:23 AM (Sep 13)
September 14, 2025
Saptami Shraddh
07:23 AM (Sep 13) – 05:04 AM (Sep 14)
September 15, 2025
Ashtami Shraddh
05:04 AM (Sep 14) – 03:06 AM (Sep 15)
September 16, 2025
Navami Shraddh
03:06 AM (Sep 15) – 01:31 AM (Sep 16)
September 17, 2025
Dashami Shraddh
01:31 AM (Sep 16) – 12:21 AM (Sep 17)
September 18, 2025
Ekadashi Shraddh
12:21 AM (Sep 17) – 11:39 PM (Sep 17)
September 19, 2025
Dwadashi Shraddh
11:39 PM (Sep 17) – 11:24 PM (Sep 18)
September 20, 2025
Trayodashi Shraddh
11:24 PM (Sep 18) – 11:36 PM (Sep 19)
September 21, 2025
Chaturdashi Shraddh
11:36 PM (Sep 19) – 12:16 AM (Sep 21)
September 21, 2025
Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya)
12:16 AM (Sep 21) – 01:23 AM (Sep 22)
The concluding day, Mahalaya Amavasya, holds the greatest significance. It is the day when Hindus perform Shraddha for all departed ancestors, including those whose dates of death may not be known.

Pitru Paksha in the United States

Hindu Americans will gather in temples and homes across the country to mark this sacred period. Many temples will organize special Shraddha pujas, collective tarpan offerings, and charity drives. Families will also perform rituals privately at home, keeping alive the ancient traditions while adapting to their lives in the U.S.

For Hindu Americans, Pitru Paksha is not only a spiritual observance but also a reminder of their cultural roots and a way to pass traditions on to the next generation.

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