Pitru Paksha 2025: Ten Sacred Rules of Shradh to Observe for Ancestral Blessings

Ignoring these guidelines is believed to invite Pitru Dosh and ancestral displeasure

Pitru Paksha, regarded as a sacred fortnight in Hinduism, began this year on 7 September 2025 (Pratipada of Ashwin month) and will conclude on 21 September 2025 (Sarva Pitru Amavasya). This 15-day period is devoted entirely to paying homage to ancestors through Shradh, Tarpan, and Pinddaan, rituals believed to bring peace to the departed souls and blessings to their descendants.

According to scriptures, it is believed that during Pitru Paksha, ancestors descend from Pitru Loka to accept offerings from their families. When rituals are performed with devotion and adherence to tradition, forefathers are said to bestow prosperity and protection upon their descendants. However, if certain prescribed rules are ignored, it may cause dissatisfaction among ancestors, resulting in Pitru Dosh.

Here are 10 important rules of Shradh during Pitru Paksha that devotees should follow with care:

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1. Perform Shradh in the afternoon: This time is considered sacred as it is believed that ancestors visit the earth during midday.
2. Face south while performing rituals: South is regarded as the direction of Pitru Loka, symbolising ancestral presence.
3. Avoid rituals during sunset: Shradh performed after sunset is considered ineffective and fruitless.
4. Perform Shradh on your own land or home: If not possible, sacred places such as pilgrimage sites, temple premises, or near holy rivers are recommended.
5. Respect and invite Brahmins: At least three Brahmins should be invited, served satvik food, and offered donations. Feeding the poor is also considered essential.
6. Purity of home and conduct: Anger, quarrels, and disturbances in the household are believed to displease ancestors.
7. Offer food to sacred beings: A portion of Shradh food should be set aside for cows, dogs, ants, and crows, considered messengers to the ancestors.
8. Use of Kusha grass and sesame seeds: These are mandatory for Shradh rituals; without them, the ceremony is deemed incomplete.
9. Avoid grooming activities: Cutting hair, nails, or shaving on Shradh days is forbidden.
10. Maintain restraint and devotion: Observing celibacy, simplicity, and devotion is said to purify the rituals and ensure blessings.

Alongside these, devotees are also advised to avoid tamasik food, gambling, alcohol, new purchases, housewarming, weddings, or business ventures during Pitru Paksha. Jewellery, clothes, or cosmetics should not be bought, and auspicious events are traditionally postponed until after the fortnight.

On the concluding day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, it is believed that ancestors, after receiving tarpan and offerings, return to Pitru Loka, blessing their families with prosperity and protection.

Disclaimer: The information above is based on traditional beliefs and practices in Hinduism. Observance of these rituals is a matter of personal faith.

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