Pitra Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred 16-day period in Hindu tradition when devotees pay homage to their ancestors (Pitru).
It is believed that during these days, the souls of our forefathers visit Earth to bless their descendants. Performing rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan ensures peace for departed souls and prosperity for the family.
In 2025, Pitra Paksha holds special importance as it aligns with Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025, a day when all ancestors are worshipped collectively.
If you’re wondering “September mah mein Amavasya kab hai?” or “Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025 date and time”, this guide will answer all your questions in detail.
Pitra Paksha 2025 Dates & Duration
- Start Date: Monday, 8 September 2025
- End Date (Sarva Pitru Amavasya): Sunday, 21 September 2025
This fortnight is dedicated entirely to ancestors. Each day corresponds to a tithi (lunar day), and rituals are performed according to the death anniversary date. For those unable to perform daily Shraddha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered the most powerful.
Amavasya in September 2025 – Date & Timings
If you’re searching for “Amavasya September 2025 start and end time”, here are the exact details:
- Amavasya Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Amavasya Start Time: 12:16 AM, 21 September 2025
- Amavasya End Time: 01:23 AM, 22 September 2025
This day is also observed as Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya. It marks the conclusion of Pitra Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, leading into Navratri.
Also, Check Out What to Donate on Amavasya Day
Key Rituals & Practices During Pitra Paksha
Here are the main rituals observed during Pitra Paksha, their meaning, and how they are performed in practice
| Ritual | What It Is / Purpose | How It’s Usually Done |
|---|---|---|
| Shraddha | Offering “pindas” (rice or flour balls mixed with sesame, barley, and ghee). It represents feeding the departed and helps their souls’ onward journey. | Performed usually at noon, after purification (bath). Devotees prepare sattvic (pure vegetarian) food such as rice, dal, kheer, and seasonal vegetables. Offerings are first symbolically dedicated to ancestors, and then shared with Brahmins, needy people, or guests. |
| Tarpan | Offering water (sometimes mixed with sesame seeds, barley, or kusha grass) to quench the spiritual thirst of ancestors. | The performer faces south (direction of ancestors) near a water source or using a clean vessel. Water is poured through the fingers while reciting mantras, taking the ancestors’ names and lineage. |
| Pind Daan | Offering “pindas” (rice or flour balls mixed with sesame, barley, and ghee). It represents feeding the departed and helps their soul’s onward journey. | Often performed at holy rivers or pilgrimage sites like Gaya. Pindas are placed on kusa grass or banana leaves with mantras, symbolizing nourishment for ancestors. |
| Charity (Daan) & Feeding | Acts of charity are believed to generate merit, reduce Pitru Dosha, and bring blessings. Feeding living beings extends the offering cycle. | Households invite Brahmins to partake in Shraddha meals, donate grains, food, or clothes, and feed the poor. Feeding animals like cows, crows, and dogs is also considered auspicious. |
Do’s & Don’ts: How to Observe Pitra Paksha Respectfully
To ensure that rituals are meaningful and effective, tradition emphasizes certain practices:
✅ Do’s
- Maintain Purity: Bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes (preferably white or light), and keep the ritual space tidy.
- Focus on Sincerity: More important than grandeur is genuine faith, remembrance, and intention. Even simple offerings count.
- Remember Names & Lineage: Recite the names of parents, grandparents, and ancestors during Tarpan and Shraddha for specificity.
- Practice Charity & Feeding: Feeding Brahmins, the needy, or animals completes the ritual cycle of giving.
- Observe the Right Timing: Perform Shraddha on the correct tithi. If missed, the final Sarva Pitru Amavasya serves as a universal day.
🚫 Don’ts
- Avoid Auspicious Beginnings: Weddings, housewarmings, and major celebrations are avoided as this period is considered inauspicious for new ventures.
- No Tamasic Foods: Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and often onion/garlic are avoided. Meals should be simple and sattvic.
- No Haircuts or Nail Trimming: Symbolizes simplicity and external purity.
- Avoid Loud Celebrations & Conflicts: The period is reflective and solemn; arguments, harsh speech, and loud music are discouraged.
Also Read: Explore the Things Not to Do on Amavasya Day
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025 – The Day of Universal Shraddha
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the final day of Pitra Paksha and is observed on 21 September 2025.
Why It Is Important?
- If someone misses performing Shraddha on specific tithis, they can perform it on this day for all ancestors.
- It is believed that offering food, water, and prayers on this day grants Pitru Shanti (peace to the departed).
- It is the most auspicious day to express gratitude and seek blessings from forefathers.
Regional & Cultural Observances
- Gaya (Bihar): The most sacred place for performing Pind Daan.
- West Bengal: Mahalaya Amavasya marks the invocation of Goddess Durga with the famous Mahishasura Mardini chants.
- South India: Known as Mahalaya Tarpanam, performed near water bodies with great devotion.
Amavasya Timings in September 2025 & Ritual Importance
The exact Amavasya timings in September 2025 are vital. Shraddha rituals should be done during the Aparahna period (post-noon to sunset) when the energies are aligned for offerings. Performing at the correct time ensures ancestors receive your offerings.
Vijayadashami 2025 – The Beginning of Auspicious Times
After Pitra Paksha concludes on 21 September, Devi Paksha begins. This leads to Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which will be celebrated on:
- Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Dashami Tithi Begins: 1 October 2025, 3:16 PM
- Dashami Tithi Ends: 2 October 2025, 4:26 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 2 October, 2:09 PM – 2:56 PM
Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil and opens the season of auspicious beginnings after Pitra Paksha.
Also Read: Can We Clean Pooja Room on Amavasya
Scientific & Philosophical Perspective
Pitra Paksha coincides with the seasonal shift from monsoon to autumn. Food offerings to birds and animals ensure ecological balance, while charity strengthens social ties. Philosophically, it reminds us that we are part of a lineage and should never forget our roots.
Conclusion
Pitra Paksha 2025 is a time to remember, respect, and honor our ancestors. By performing Shraddha rituals with faith, we not only bring peace to departed souls but also invite blessings for our families.
As Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025 falls on 21 September 2025, mark your calendars to perform the rituals sincerely. Once this period ends, the festive season begins with Navratri and Vijayadashami 2025, symbolizing prosperity, positivity, and new beginnings.
FAQs on Pitra Paksha 2025
Amavasya in September 2025 date and time?
Amavasya falls on 21 September 2025, from 12:16 AM (21st Sept) to 1:23 AM (22nd Sept).
September mah mein Amavasya kab hai?
On 21 September 2025 (Sunday).
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025 kab hai?
On 21 September 2025.
Vijayadashami 2025 kab hai?
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is on 2 October 2025 (Thursday).
What if I miss performing Shraddha during Pitra Paksha?
You can perform rituals on Sarva Pitru Amavasya for all ancestors.
Can women perform Shraddha?
Yes, if no male member is available, women can perform Shraddha with devotion.