Mumbai: Pitru Paksha 2025 will begin on Sunday, 7 September. In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha holds immense spiritual significance as it is dedicated to honouring ancestors. The fortnight-long period falls every year in the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month, starting from the Pratipada Tithi and ending on Amavasya. It is believed that during this time, the souls of forefathers visit the earth, and it becomes the duty of their descendants to offer prayers, food, and rituals to ensure peace for them.
Hindus believe that performing rituals such as pind daan (food offerings) and tarpan (water oblations) during Pitru Paksha brings blessings from the ancestors. These acts are said to free the souls from suffering, ensure peace in the family, and invite prosperity into one’s life. The period is also marked by rules and observances that devotees must follow with devotion and respect.
Feeding Brahmins during Pitru Paksha
It is considered highly auspicious to offer food in the name of ancestors to Brahmins during Pitru Paksha. Traditional meals usually include puri, sabzi, and kheer. Along with food, donations made to Brahmins during this period are believed to help satisfy the ancestors and gain their blessings.
Do not send anyone empty-handed
It is said that ancestors may arrive at homes in any form during this period. Therefore, no one who visits the home should be sent away empty-handed. Respecting guests and fulfilling their wishes during Pitru Paksha is seen as honouring the ancestors themselves.
Serving cows, crows and dogs
Special importance is given to feeding animals such as cows, crows, and dogs. Crows are considered messengers of the ancestors, while cows and dogs are also revered in Hindu tradition. Offering food to them during Pitru Paksha is believed to bring satisfaction to the departed souls and remove family troubles.
Chanting the Pitru Gayatri mantra
Devotees are encouraged to chant the Pitru Gayatri mantra 108 times during Pitru Paksha:
“Om Devta Pitrubhyo Mahayogini Maha Tejhah Sarvapaapvinashaya Namah Swadha”
This mantra is believed to destroy sins, grant peace to the ancestors, and bring divine blessings to the family.
Bathing in holy rivers
Taking a dip in sacred rivers such as the Ganga or Yamuna holds great significance during Pitru Paksha. If one cannot visit in person, mixing water from these holy rivers into the household bath water is also considered spiritually effective. Such rituals symbolise purification and devotion while honouring the ancestors.