Pitru Paksha rituals based on Hindu calendar – India Standard Time. Pitru Paksha 2025 begins on September 8 to September 21, 2025. Below are the Mahalaya Pitra Visarjan and Pitrapaksha 2025 dates for Uttar Pradesh (UP), Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha (it is known as Apara Paksha), Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Goa, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is the rituals performed by relatives for the departed souls of dead ancestors, parents and relatives. Tarpan and Shraddha are performed on all Amavasya or no moon days. But the most important period to perform Shradh is the Pitru Paksha period during the Krishna Paksha fortnight in Ashwin month (September – October). In some regions this period is the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. Pitru Paksha 2025 dates September 7, 2025 – Purnima Shradh September 8, ...

In Hinduism, antyeshti , or death rites, are among the most significant and sacred rituals, performed immediately after a person's death. Considered one of the key samskāras (sacraments or life-cycle rituals), antyeshti is believed to purify and elevate the soul of the deceased, aiding its journey to the afterlife. These rites are deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and vary according to regional practices and family customs. One crucial aspect of these rituals is the offering of water libation or udaka , performed during the period of ceremonial impurity, known as agha . This ritual, called Aghodaka , involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds (til) to the deceased soul. The practice is symbolic of nourishing and purifying the soul as it transitions from this world to the next. Ritual Details and Variations: Aghodaka is typically performed by a close relative of the deceased, known as a sapinda —usually the eldest son or a male member of the family. The sapinda takes water mi...

In Hindu tradition, every element of a funeral rite carries profound meaning, linking the departed soul to the cosmic order. Among these elements, the wood of the Palash tree (Butea monosperma) holds a place of special reverence. Known for its vibrant flowers and resilient timber, the Palash is more than a physical fuel for the funeral pyre; it embodies life, death, and the promise of renewal. The Palash in Vedic Tradition The Vedas and subsequent smrti texts identify the Palash as one of the sacred trees of the gods. Its bright orange blossoms are likened to the flame itself—an apt symbol in a rite centered on fire. In scriptures, the tree is associated with Agni, the god of fire, whose purifying presence is invoked to deliver the soul from mortal bonds. The Three Twigs and the Urn After cremation, the bones and ashes of the deceased are gathered into an urn, poised for the final libation. Three sturdy twigs of Palash wood are then driven firmly into the ground, forming a tripod. ...

Narayana Bali: A Sacred Ritual for Unnatural Deaths Narayana Bali is a revered shradh rite in Hindu tradition performed to honor and liberate souls who have departed life through unnatural means—be it suicide, accidents, or violent ends. Unlike regular shradh ceremonies conducted for ancestors who passed away naturally, Narayana Bali addresses the complex karma and unsettled emotions associated with untimely departures. It is believed to pacify the tormented soul, ensure its journey toward liberation, and offer solace to surviving family members. This ancient practice finds detailed mention in texts such as the Antyeshtipaddhati of Narayana Bhatta (1513–1570 CE) and various Smritis, prescribing a meticulous procedure of worship, offerings, and mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Yama (Lord of Death), Brahma, Shiva, and the departed soul. Significance and Historical Context In Vedic and Puranic traditions, the transition of the soul from the physical body to the subtle realms is guided...

Definition and Context Hema Shraddha is a Hindu ritual performed as a substitute for regular Shraddha ceremonies. The term Shraddha refers to a ritual of honoring deceased ancestors by offering food, prayers, and donations, traditionally observed on their death anniversaries or during specific periods like Pitru Paksha . When logistical challenges such as travel, ashaucha (ritual impurity due to birth or death in the family), or other disruptions prevent performing a regular Shraddha, alternatives such as Amashraddha or Hema Shraddha are prescribed. Hema Shraddha involves donating gold or its monetary equivalent to a deserving individual. The donation typically corresponds to the cost of four times the quantity of grains that would have been offered in a traditional Shraddha. Modern-Day Relevance In contemporary society, Hema Shraddha holds importance as an adaptable form of the Shraddha ritual. Due to urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the global diaspora of Hindus, traditional Shr...

Meaning and Overview Of Gajacchaya Gajacchaya , literally meaning "shadow of an elephant" ( gaja = elephant; chaya = shadow), holds immense significance in Hindu rituals, particularly for Shraddha, the offering of oblations to deceased ancestors (Pitrs). In Hindu calendars, specific celestial alignments are considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices. One such alignment is Gajacchaya , which occurs when: The Moon is in the Magha or Makam nakshatra (the 10th constellation of 5 stars). The Sun is in the Hasta nakshatra (the 13th constellation, also consisting of 5 stars). This period is considered highly sacred for performing shraddha and is believed to bestow immense benefits upon the souls of one's ancestors. According to Hindu beliefs, performing shraddha during Gajacchaya gratifies the ancestors for thousands of kalpas (immeasurably long cosmic periods of time). Importance in Shraddha Rituals Shraddha, a ritual performed to honor and offer homage to de...

The Hindu Shradh and the Madagascan Famadihana rituals both reflect deep cultural attitudes towards death, ancestors, and the importance of remembrance. Although they originate from vastly different geographic and cultural contexts—Shradh from Hindu traditions in India and Famadihana from Malagasy customs in Madagascar—both practices emphasize honoring ancestors, though the way they are performed and the beliefs associated with them differ significantly. Overview of Shradh Ritual (India) Shradh is a Hindu ritual, observed primarily in India, which honors deceased ancestors during a specific period known as Pitru Paksha . This ritual usually involves offering food, water, and prayers to the deceased, asking for their blessings and to ensure that their souls rest in peace. The primary goal of Shradh is to repay debts to one's ancestors, known as Pitr Rina , and to assist them in attaining salvation or freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Key Features of Shradh: Time Period : Shradh i...

Both the Hindu Shradh ritual and the Akwaaba Festival in Ghana center around paying respects to ancestors, though they stem from distinct cultural and religious traditions. Despite their geographical and cultural differences, these two practices share similar themes of remembrance, reverence for the dead, and the belief that the living have obligations toward their ancestors. 1. Overview of Hindu Shradh Ritual The Shradh is an important Hindu ritual dedicated to the ancestors, typically performed during the Pitru Paksha period, a fortnight in the lunar calendar (usually in September or October). It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the ancestors visit Earth, and their descendants must perform rituals to ensure the peace and well-being of their souls. The Shradh rituals are usually carried out by the male descendants, particularly the eldest son, and involve offerings of food, water, and prayers to the departed. 2. Overview of Akwaaba Festival The Akwaaba Festival i...

Both the Hindu Shradh ritual and the Qingming Festival in China are forms of ancestor worship , reflecting the cultural importance of paying respect to deceased family members. Although they stem from different religious and philosophical traditions, they share certain core values, such as honoring the deceased, maintaining familial bonds beyond death, and providing offerings to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the afterlife. However, these rituals also vary in their historical origins, practices, and current significance within their respective cultures. 1. Historical Background Shradh Ritual in Hinduism : The Shradh ritual, part of Hindu religious practice, is believed to have its origins in the Vedic period . Shradh is performed during the Pitru Paksha period, a 16-day lunar phase that typically falls in September or October. It is based on the belief that ancestors exist in a spiritual realm known as Pitru Loka , where they are cared for by the offerings made by their desce...

 In Hinduism, Asthi refers to the bones and ashes of a deceased person, collected after cremation. Traditionally, the remains are immersed in a sacred river, such as the Ganges, as part of the final rites, symbolizing the soul's liberation (moksha). However, due to practical or personal reasons, some people may need to temporarily or permanently keep the Asthi at home. Below is a detailed guide on how to keep Asthi at home, covering methods, prayers, discipline, and associated rituals: 1. Preparation and Storage Collection of Asthi : After the cremation ceremony, the family collects the bones and ashes. This is typically done on the following day, following a prayer to seek permission from the departed soul. Container : The Asthi is placed in a clean earthen, copper, or brass pot, as these materials are considered pure. The pot is often covered with a red or white cloth. Placement : Tree or Sacred Spot : Traditionally, Asthi is kept temporarily under a tree or at a clean, s...

Mahalaya is observed on the Amavasya day in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja (September-October). Mahalaya 2025 date is September 21, Sunday. Time is 12:17 AM on September 21 and ends at 1:24 AM on Sept 22. The last day of Pitru Paksha fortnight, the period sacred for doing rituals and offering oblations to the souls of the departed ancestors, ends on Mahalaya day. Durga Puja rituals also commence on Mahalaya day. The rituals and rites on Mahalaya day are performed early morning on riverbanks or on seashore. The main offering made on Mahalaya Paksha to ancestors is food. It is believed that the offering made during this period will benefit all the departed souls. Charity in the form of food is also done by people. Shradh on Mahalaya can be performed to all those who departed from the world on any day or anytime. The ritual can be performed by both men and women. It is one of the way of showing one's profound sense of gratitude to the departed souls for their blessing...