Shradh, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a sacred 16-day period dedicated to remembering and honoring our ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the souls of departed loved ones visit the earth, and by offering prayers, food, and gratitude, families receive blessings of peace, prosperity, and protection.
But while Shradh is a period of devotion and remembrance, there are specific practices to follow—and also things to avoid—to maintain its sanctity.
This year’s date: Shradh 2025: 7 Sept – 21 Sept
5 Things You SHOULD Do in Shradh for Ancestors’ Blessings
- Perform Tarpan (Water Offering)
- Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, kusha grass, and prayers.
- Symbolizes giving relief and peace to departed souls.
- Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, kusha grass, and prayers.
- Feed Cows, Crows & Dogs
- These beings are considered messengers of ancestors.
- Feeding them is believed to carry your offerings to the pitru loka (ancestral realm).
- These beings are considered messengers of ancestors.
- Offer Sattvik Food
- Prepare simple, pure vegetarian meals like kheer, roti, rice, fruits.
- Place them on banana/mango leaves before offering.
- Prepare simple, pure vegetarian meals like kheer, roti, rice, fruits.
- Pray with Devotion
- Chant mantras, light a diya, and remember your ancestors with gratitude.
- Even a simple heartfelt prayer at home carries great significance.
- Chant mantras, light a diya, and remember your ancestors with gratitude.
- Practice Charity (Daan)
- Donating clothes, food, or essentials to the needy is highly auspicious.
- It reflects sharing your blessings in honor of your ancestors.
- Donating clothes, food, or essentials to the needy is highly auspicious.
❌ 5 Things You Should NEVER Do in Shradh
- Avoid Celebrations & Auspicious Events
- Weddings, housewarmings, and parties are discouraged.
- The period is meant for remembrance, not festivity.
- Weddings, housewarmings, and parties are discouraged.
- Do Not Buy Luxury or New Clothes
- Refrain from shopping for jewelry, fancy clothes, or major purchases.
- This symbolizes restraint and humility.
- Refrain from shopping for jewelry, fancy clothes, or major purchases.
- Strictly Avoid Non-Veg & Alcohol
- Eating tamasic food (meat, garlic, onion, alcohol) is prohibited.
- Stick to sattvik, light meals.
- Eating tamasic food (meat, garlic, onion, alcohol) is prohibited.
- Do Not Sleep During the Day
- Daytime sleeping is said to disturb spiritual energy.
- Maintain discipline in lifestyle.
- Daytime sleeping is said to disturb spiritual energy.
- Avoid Harsh Speech & Disrespect
- Quarrels, gossip, and disrespecting elders are considered inauspicious.
- Cultivate peace, patience, and kindness.
- Quarrels, gossip, and disrespecting elders are considered inauspicious.
Shradh is not about fear—it is about gratitude. By performing the right rituals and avoiding negative actions, we not only bring peace to our ancestors but also invite their blessings into our lives.
✨ Remember with love. Offer with devotion. Live with humility.
