In Hindu religion, Pitru Paksha, which is also known as Shradh or Shraddh, a 15-day rite to honour the ancestors is performed.Significance of Pitru Paksha or ShradhAccording to Hindu mythology, the eldest son of the deceased person performs the rites or Shradh during Pitru Paksha by giving offerings to ancestors who are believed to reside in pitralok (the region between Heaven and Earth).This year, Pitru Paksha will start on September 29, 2023, on the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and will end on October 14, 2023, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha.It is believed that one should worship his ancestors before worshipping Gods, as they are appeased with that only. According to shashtras, if someone is not aware about the Shradh Tithi, then, Ashwin Amavasya can be worshiped which is also called All Sovereign Amavasya. While remembering and praying to our ancestors, one can done food and money (Dakshina) to priest or needy people.Rituals performed while performing Shradh in Pitru PakshaBefore the family may eat, special food prepared for the shradh rites is first served to a crow, thought to be Yama, the custodian of Pitrulok, and then to priests. Shraddha and Pitru Paksha are considered to be essential part of the rituals to ensure the passage for ancestors to heaven.The eldest son of the family performs the Shradh rites. Offering food to cow, crow and dog. Tarpan is also performed during this process. After this, food is offered to the priests of the temple. Reading holy books during this period is considered fruitful.Pitru Paksha Shradh Tithis 2023Purnima Shradh – 29th September 2023 (Friday)Pratipada Shradh – 29th September 2023 (Friday)Dwitiya Shradh – 30th September 2023 (Saturday)Tritiya Shradh – 1st October 2023 (Sunday)Chaturthi Shradh – 2nd October 2023 (Monday)Panchami Shradh – 3rd October 2023 (Tuesday)Shashti Shradh – 4th October 2023 (Wednesday)Saptami Shradh – 5th October 2023 (Thursday)Ashtami Shradh – 6th October 2023 (Friday)Navami Shradh – 7th October 2023 (Saturday)Dashmi Shradh – 8th October 2023 (Sunday)Ekadashi Shradh – 9th October 2023 (Monday)Dwadashi Shradh or Magha Shradh – 11th October 2023 (Wednesday)Trayodashi Shradh – 12th October 2023 (Thursday)Chaturdashi Shradh – 13th October 2023 (Friday)Sarva Pitra Amavasya – 14th October 2023 (Saturday)
