Shradh 2025

What is Shradh?

Shradh 2025: Date and Time

Shradh Dates in 2025

Story of Shradh

The story of Shradh is connected to the Mahabharata era. It is described in ancient Puranas and the Mahabharata that when Karna died, his soul reached heaven. There, instead of food, he was offered plates of gold and silver. Karna was tormented by hunger, and when Indra asked why he was given gold instead of food, Karna replied that during his lifetime, though he donated gold generously, he never donated food for his ancestors.

Indra then sent Karna back to Earth for 16 days (the Shradh period), during which he faithfully performed food donations (Pind Daan) and Libation for his ancestors. Thus, the satisfaction of the ancestors and Karna's release from his ancestral debt became the origin of the Shradh ritual. Based on this story, Shradh ceremonies are performed during the 15–16 days of Pitru Paksha.

Sacred Pilgrimage Sites for Shradh

Main Rituals and Procedure of Shradh

Prohibited Things in Shradh

Certain items and donations are prohibited during Shradh. Avoid these carefully.
What Not to Donate:

• Non-vegetarian food, fish, or tamasic food
• Alcohol, tobacco, or any intoxicants
• Shoes, slippers, or leather items
• Do not donate to an unworthy, impure, or inappropriate person

What to Eat and What Not to Eat in Shradh

Recommended Foods:

• Kheer
• Puri
• Moong dal
• Curd
• Banana
• Ganga water

Prohibited Foods:

• Non-vegetarian food and fish
• Spicy or overly seasoned dishes
• Bitter or sour lentils
• Alcohol and intoxicants

Importance of Observing Silence

It is considered best to remain silent and keep the mind calm while performing Shradh. Observing silence increases mental focus, makes ancestors' blessings more effective, and ensures the success of pind offering and Libation.

Perform Shradh as per your ancestors' death date. If someone does not remember the death date, they may perform Shradh on Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Benefits of Shradh

Shradh brings various spiritual and worldly benefits. According to the Puranas, offering Libation to the ancestor's grants liberation to three generations of forefathers, and their blessings remain with the one performing it. Shradh brings happiness, peace, prosperity, and abundance to the family. The Bhagavad Gita also mentions that just as worshipping the gods pleases the deities, in the same way, those who worship their ancestors receive their support. In Hinduism, it is believed that we are indebted to our ancestors, and by performing Shradh, this debt is repaid, bringing inner peace. If there is a Pitru Dosha in the ancestral chart (Kundali), then Libation and Pind Daan during Shradh help remove it. Overall, performing the rituals of Shradh pacifies Pitru Dosha, brings happiness and prosperity in life, and grants spiritual merit to the performer.

Shradh Mantra Chanting

Chanting Pitru mantras during Shradh is considered especially fruitful. Some main mantras include:

• "Om Pitru Devataye Namah"
  Meaning: Salutations to the Pitru deities.
• "Namah Swahayai Swadhayai Nityameva Namo Namah"
  Meaning: Constant salutations to Goddess Swaha and Swadha.
• "Om Pitruganaya Vidmahe Jagad Dharini Dhimahi Tanno Pitrih Prachodayat."
  Meaning: We know the Pitru group who sustain the entire universe; may those Pitru inspire us.

Chanting these mantras pleases the ancestors and amplifies the merit of the charity and rituals performed during Pitru Paksha.

Importance of Shradh

• Shradh is a way to express gratitude, reverence, and respect toward one's ancestors.
• It keeps the memory of ancestral relationships alive and connects us to our lineage.
• Performing Shradh brings peace and satisfaction to the souls of the departed.
• It is a sacred and spiritual duty to repay the ancestral debt (Pitru Rin).
• Ancestors attain happiness in the afterlife and bless the family with prosperity.
• Shradh rituals contribute to the protection, growth, and well-being of the lineage.
• These Vedic rites maintain purity, balance, and harmony in life.
• With the satisfaction of the ancestors, many obstacles in life are removed.
• It cultivates humility, service-mindedness, and faith in dharma.
• Shradh helps in understanding the cycle of life and death, inspiring spiritual growth.

References in Scriptures

The detailed description of Shradh rituals is found in texts like Garuda Purana, Matsya Purana, Brahma Purana, Narada Samhita, and others. These scriptures form the foundational basis for Shradh practices.

The spiritual and cultural importance of Shradh is ancient. The Puranas state that before pleasing the deities, one must please their ancestors. In Hindu astrology, Pitru Dosha is considered one of the most complex doshas, and Libation and Pind Daan performed during Pitru Paksha bring peace to the souls of ancestors. Mythologically, it is believed that ancestors visit the earth in the form of crows during Shradh, which is why offering food to crows is a tradition. With Shradh, one receives the blessings of the ancestors, ensuring the well-being of future generations. For this reason, no auspicious ceremonies are performed during the 15–16 days of Pitru Paksha, as this time is dedicated to the ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why we celebrate shradh?
   Shradh is a very important ritual in Hinduism, performed to offer reverence and gratitude to our ancestors (Pitru). The main reasons for doing this are:
   • To repay the debt to ancestors: According to Hindu belief, every person is born with three debts — Deva Rin (debt to the gods), Rishi Rin (debt to the sages), and Pitru Rin (debt to the ancestors). Pitru Rin means our forefathers gave us life, culture, and family - so repaying this debt is essential. Through Shradh, we offer Libation, Pind Daan, and food donations in their honor.
   • For the peace of ancestors' souls: It is believed that the souls of ancestors attain peace and satisfaction only when their descendants perform Shradh rituals on time. This pleases them, and they bestow blessings.
   • Freedom from Pitru Dosha: According to astrology, if there is Pitru Dosha in a family, it can cause many problems like delay in progeny, financial losses, unrest, etc. Performing Shradh pacifies Pitru Dosha and brings peace and happiness in life.
   • Blessings from ancestors: Those who perform Shradh receive the blessings of their forefathers, which ensures prosperity in the family, removes obstacles, and supports lineage growth.
   • To preserve tradition and culture: This ritual is an integral part of our Sanatan tradition. It teaches the new generation the importance of respecting and remembering their ancestors.
2. What should be done during Shradh?
   On the day of Shradh, it is very important to follow certain rules and rituals properly. The main points are as follows:
   • Take a bath immediately after sunrise.
   • Wear clean clothes and thoroughly clean the house or the place where the Shradh is to be performed.
   • Before starting the ritual, hold water, flowers, and black sesame seeds in your hand and take a vow — that you are offering Libation and Pind Daan with devotion for your specific ancestor (like father, grandfather, etc.).
   • Prepare a vessel with pure water, black sesame seeds, Durva grass, and Ganga water for Libation.
   • Offer water chanting "Om Pitribhyo Namah".
   • Libation should be done for the Devas, Rishis, and Pitru — all three.
   • Make round Pindas using rice, barley, or wheat flour and offer them in the name of the ancestors. These can be placed under a Peepal tree or at a sacred place.
   • It is believed that feeding Brahmins and giving them Dakshina (offerings) brings great merit and pleases the ancestors.
   • It is believed that ancestors come in the form of crows to accept the food, so offer Pindas or food to crows too.
   • Also feed cows, dogs, and ants — this is considered highly auspicious.
   • Finally, the family members should have their meal only after completing all these rituals.
3. How to Perform Shradh at Home?
   
   • In Pitru Paksha, it is ideal to perform Shradh for each ancestor on their specific lunar date (Tithi).
   • If the exact Tithi is not known, do it on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
   • Noon is considered the best time for performing Shradh.
   • Clean the entire house properly on the day of Shradh.
   • Sprinkle Ganga water at the place where the ritual will be performed.
   • After bathing, wear clean clothes.
   • Place a seat (Asana) at the worship spot.
   • Hold water, rice, or sesame seeds in your hand and take a vow that you are performing Pitru Paksha Shradh.
   • Remember your ancestors — father, grandfather, or any other for whom the Shradh is being done.
   • In a copper or brass pot, mix water, black sesame seeds, rice, and Durva grass.
   • Take the names of ancestors and chant "Om Pitribhyo Namah" while offering Libation three times.
   • Make Pindas using rice or barley and place them on a plate or banana leaf.
   • Feed these to crows or cows.
   • It is believed that ancestors come in the form of crows to accept the food.
   • Donate food or grains to someone in need — this too satisfies the ancestors.
   • Finally, eat only satvik (pure) food after completing all rituals.
4. How to Perform Shradh Puja?
   
   • After sunrise, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
   • Clean the puja place thoroughly and sprinkle it with Ganga water.
   • Place your ancestors' photograph or a symbolic representation.
   • Hold water, rice, or sesame seeds in your hand and take a vow (Sankalp).
   • In a copper or brass pot, mix clean water, black sesame seeds, and Durva grass.
   • Take the names of your ancestors and perform Libation three times.
   • Make Pindas using rice or barley and place them on a plate or a leaf.
   • Offer the Pindas or food to crows.
   • Serve food to a Brahmin or donate to a needy person.
   • You and your family should eat only satvik (pure) food.
   • During the puja, remember your ancestors with a peaceful mind and offer heartfelt prayers for their peace.
5. When Will Shradh Start in 2025?
   In 2025, Shradh Paksha will begin from Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima, which falls on 7th September. After that, Shradh is performed on each date of the Krishna Paksha. This Shradh Paksha will conclude on 21st September, which is the day of Amavasya (New Moon).
6. What Are the Shradh Dates in 2025?
   

   Shradh Tithi	Date (2025)	Day
   Purnima Shradh	7th September 2025	Sunday
   Pratipada Shradh	8th September 2025	Monday
   Dwitiya Shradh	9th September 2025	Tuesday
   Tritiya Shradh	10th September 2025	Wednesday
   Chaturthi Shradh	10th September 2025	Wednesday
   Panchami Shradh	11th September 2025	Thursday
   Shashti Shradh	12th September 2025	Friday
   Saptami Shradh	13th September 2025	Saturday
   Ashtami Shradh	14th September 2025	Sunday
   Navami Shradh	15th September 2025	Monday
   Dashami Shradh	16th September 2025	Tuesday
   Ekadashi Shradh	17th September 2025	Wednesday
   Dwadashi Shradh	18th September 2025	Thursday
   Trayodashi Shradh	19th September 2025	Friday
   Chaturdashi Shradh	20th September 2025	Saturday
   Sarva Pitru Amavasya	21st September 2025	Sunday

7. Why Is Shradh Performed Every Year?
   Pitru Paksha is considered a highly significant period in Sanatan Dharma. It lasts for about 15–16 days every year, starting from the Purnima (full moon) of the Bhadrapada month and ending on Amavasya (new moon).
   
   It is believed that during this time, the souls of our ancestors (Pitru Lok) visit the earth and expect offerings like Libation, Pind Daan, and Shradh from their descendants.
   
   Main reasons for performing Shradh every year:
   • To repay the ancestral debt and continuously receive their blessings.
   • To grant peace and contentment to the souls of the ancestors.
   • To ensure harmony, prosperity, and happiness within the family.
   • To remove Pitru Dosha and overcome obstacles in life.
   • To keep the lineage and cultural heritage alive.
   
   Libation and Pind Daan performed during Pitru Paksha are believed to be highly meritorious. Neglecting these rituals may displease the ancestors and lead to Pitru Dosha, causing troubles in life.
   Therefore, it is an age-old Hindu tradition to perform Shradh every year with full devotion and proper rituals so that the ancestors remain pleased and bestow their blessings continuously.
8. What Are the 15 Days of Shradh?
   These 15–16 days are known as Pitru Paksha (Ancestor Fortnight). They begin from the Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima (Shradh Purnima) and continue till the Ashwin Krishna Paksha Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya).
   
   During this period, it is customary to honor ancestors by performing Libation (offering water) and Pind Daan (offering rice balls) daily, expressing gratitude and seeking their blessings.