Pitru Paksha 2023: What is Pitru Paksha all about? Know when to observe Ashtami Shradh

It is believed Shradhs are the best time to appease the ancestors and seek their blessings and ask for the forgiveness for the sins they make. According to Hindu mythology, Ashtami Shradh is performed for those deceased family members who died on Ashtami Tithi, of either Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha. This year, Ashtami Shradh will be observed on Friday, October 6, 2023.

According to astrology and Hindu mythology, muhurtas like Kutup, Rauhin etc. are considered auspicious for performing Shradh. One should complete all Shradh related rituals by the end of the afternoon, by offering Tarpan at the end of Shradh.  

Date and time to perform Ashtami Shradh

• Ashtami Shradh on Friday, October 6, 2023
• Ashtami Tithi starts – October 06, 2023 at 06:34 AM
• Ashtami Tithi ends – October 07, 2023 at 08:08 AM
• Kutup Muhurta – 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM, Duration – 00 hours 47 minutes
• Rohin Muhurta – 12:33 PM to 01:20 PM, Duration – 00 hours 47 minutes
• Afternoon Time – 01:20 PM to 03:42 PM, Duration – 02 hours 21 minutes

What is Pitru Paksha all about?

In Hindus, Pitru Paksha is a period of fifteen days, which is believed to pay homage to their ancestors by offering food to them. As per South Indian Amant calendar, Pitru Paksha falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada and starts on the full moon day or a day after the full moon.

According to the North Indian calendar, Pitru Paksha falls in the lunar month of Ashwin and starts on the full moon day or the next day of the full moon in Bhadrapada. However, people in both the regions, North and South Indian people perform the ritual of Shradh on the same Tithis.

The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, which is considered Mahalaya Amavasya is the most important day in Pitru Paksha.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected from various mediums like astrologers, almanacs, beliefs or religious scriptures and has been presented to you. Please consult experts while making related decisions.