Shraddha, an integral part of Hindu culture, is a sacred ritual performed to honor and pay homage to departed ancestors. Observed annually during the Pitru Paksha (fortnight dedicated to ancestors), Shraddha Days are a time for remembrance, gratitude, and offerings to one's lineage.
In 2025, these days will carry their timeless significance, connecting families with their heritage and spiritual roots.
This comprehensive blog explores the meaning, historical roots, rituals, and spiritual relevance of the 2025 Shraddha Days, providing practical guidance for those wishing to observe them meaningfully.
Key Dates for 2025 Shraddha Days
| Tithi | Event Name | Event Date |
| Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima | Purnima Shraddha |
September 7, 2025, Sunday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada | Pratipada Shraddha |
September 8, 2025, Monday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya | Dwitiya Shraddha |
September 9, 2025, Tuesday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya | Tritiya Shraddha |
September 10, 2025, Wednesday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Chaturthi | Chaturthi Shraddha |
September 10, 2025, Wednesday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Panchami | Panchami Shraddha |
September 11, 2025, Thursday
|
| Ashwina, Bharani Nakshatra | Maha Bharani |
September 11, 2025, Thursday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Shashthi | Shashthi Shraddha |
September 12, 2025, Friday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Saptami | Saptami Shraddha |
September 13, 2025, Saturday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami | Ashtami Shraddha |
September 14, 2025, Sunday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Navami | Navami Shraddha |
September 15, 2025, Monday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Dashami | Dashami Shraddha |
September 16, 2025, Tuesday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi | Ekadashi Shraddha |
September 17, 2025, Wednesday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Dwadashi | Dwadashi Shraddha |
September 18, 2025, Thursday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi | Trayodashi Shraddha |
September 19, 2025, Friday
|
| Ashwina, Magha Nakshatra | Magha Shraddha |
September 19, 2025, Friday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi | Chaturdashi Shraddha |
September 20, 2025, Saturday
|
| Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya | Sarva Pitru Amavasya |
September 21, 2025, Sunday
|
Understanding Shraddha and Pitru Paksha
The term Shraddha comes from the Sanskrit word "Shraddhaa," meaning faith or devotion. It signifies the reverence and love one shows towards their departed ancestors.
Performed with sincerity and faith, Shraddha is believed to bring peace to the souls of the deceased and blessings to the living family members.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to performing Shraddha rituals. It begins on the Purnima (full moon) of Bhadrapada month and ends on the Amavasya (new moon), known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
In 2025, Pitru Paksha is expected to fall between September 7 and September 21, 2025, depending on local calendar calculations.
Why is Shraddha Performed?
According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of deceased family members reside in Pitru Loka, a spiritual realm governed by Yama, the god of death. It is believed that these souls depend on their descendants to perform Shraddha rituals for their sustenance and liberation (moksha).
The key objectives of Shraddha are:
Ensuring Peace for Ancestors: Helping the souls of ancestors attain liberation.
Seeking Blessings: Ancestors are believed to bestow health, prosperity, and well-being on their descendants.
Strengthening Family Bonds: Acknowledging one’s roots fosters respect for lineage and familial values.
The Significance of 2025 Shraddha Days
In 2025, the Shraddha Days provide an opportunity to reflect on the impermanence of life, express gratitude to ancestors, and align one’s actions with dharma (righteousness). With the challenges of modernity often pulling families apart, these rituals can serve as a unifying force, reminding people of their shared heritage.
Rituals Associated with Shraddha
Shraddha rituals are traditionally performed by the eldest son or a male member of the family. However, in contemporary times, daughters and other relatives can also perform the rites.
Preparation for Shraddha
Selection of Tithi: The ritual should ideally be performed on the tithi (lunar day) corresponding to the ancestor’s death.
Choosing the Location: Shraddha is often conducted near holy rivers, temples, or at home. Prominent pilgrimage sites like Gaya, Varanasi, and Haridwar are considered auspicious.
Pind Daan Materials: Items like cooked rice, black sesame seeds, ghee, and sacred grass (darbha) are essential for the rituals.
Key Rituals
Tarpan (Offering Water): The ritual begins with offering water mixed with sesame seeds and barley to ancestors. This act symbolizes the fulfillment of their thirst in the spiritual realm.
Pind Daan (Offering Rice Balls): Cooked rice balls, symbolizing sustenance, are offered to the departed souls.
Feeding Brahmins: Feeding learned priests or the needy is an integral part of Shraddha, as it is believed that the blessings they give reach the ancestors.
Recitation of Mantras: Sacred verses and hymns like the Pitru Suktam are chanted to invoke the blessings of ancestors.
Spiritual and Emotional Aspects of Shraddha
Beyond the ritualistic aspects, Shraddha holds deep emotional and spiritual meaning:
Healing and Closure: Performing Shraddha allows families to remember and honor their loved ones, fostering emotional healing.
Strengthening Spiritual Growth: The rituals promote humility, gratitude, and a deeper connection to one’s roots.
Fostering Unity: Family members often come together during this time, strengthening bonds and shared traditions.
Fasting and Food During Shraddha
Food plays a vital role in Shraddha. Specific dietary guidelines are followed during this period:
Avoiding Non-Vegetarian Foods: Only vegetarian meals are prepared and offered.
Satvik Bhojan: Simple and pure foods like rice, lentils, vegetables, and fruits are consumed.
Prohibited Ingredients: Onions, garlic, and certain spices are avoided as they are considered tamasic (impure).
Some common offerings include:
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Pooris (deep-fried bread)
- Seasonal fruits
Conclusion
The 2025 Shraddha Days offer a sacred opportunity to honor and connect with one’s ancestors. Through rituals, prayers, and acts of charity, families strengthen their spiritual bonds and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Whether performed traditionally or adapted to modern lifestyles, the essence of Shraddha lies in sincerity, devotion, and the recognition of one’s roots. As you observe these days, may you find peace, blessings, and a deeper connection to your lineage.
Embrace this spiritual tradition in 2025 and ensure that the light of your ancestors continues to guide your path.