Pitra Paksha 2025, also called Shraddha Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is a sacred 15-day period in the Hindu Vedic calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors. Each day corresponds to a specific Tithi (lunar day), and Shraddha rituals are performed based on the Tithi on which an ancestor passed away.
In 2025, Pitra Paksha begins on 8th September and ends with Sarva Pitri Amavasya on 21st September. Performing Shraddha on the correct Tithi ensures blessings, peace, and spiritual upliftment for both the living family and departed souls.
Pitra Paksha 2025: Tithi-Wise Shraddha Details
Pratipada Shraddha – 8 September 2025 (Monday)
Also Known As: Padwa Shraddha
Who to Honour:
- Ancestors who passed away on Pratipada Tithi (both Shukla and Krishna Paksha)
- Maternal grandparents (Nana-Nani), especially when no one performs Shraddha at the maternal home
Significance: Brings peace to the maternal lineage and ensures happiness and prosperity in the family.
Panchami Shraddha – 12 September 2025 (Friday)
Also Known As: Kunwara Panchami
Who to Honour:
- Family members who died on Panchami Tithi
- Unmarried boys or girls who passed away before marriage
Significance: Performed for souls whose earthly responsibilities and desires remained incomplete.
Navami Shraddha – 16 September 2025 (Tuesday)
Also Known As: Matra Navami (मातृनवमी)
Who to Honour:
- Mother, grandmother, or any other female ancestor who passed away on Navami Tithi
Significance: Most auspicious day to honour deceased women. Brings peace to maternal souls and removes emotional obstacles.
Dwadashi Shraddha – 19 September 2025 (Friday)
Who to Honour:
- Ancestors who passed away on Dwadashi Tithi
- Renunciates or Sannyasis (those who embraced spiritual life)
Significance: Specially for spiritually inclined souls, ensuring their peace and liberation.
Trayodashi Shraddha – 20 September 2025 (Saturday)
Also Known As: Teras Shraddha, Kakbali, Balabholani Teras (in Gujarat)
Who to Honour:
- Ancestors who passed away on Trayodashi Tithi
- Children and young family members who died at an early age
Significance: A deeply emotional day to bring peace to innocent, pure souls who departed early.
Chaturdashi Shraddha – 21 September 2025 (Sunday)
Who to Honour:
- People who died unnatural deaths (accidents, suicides, murders, or weapon-related deaths)
Important Note: Shraddha for natural deaths is not performed on this day. Instead, they are included in Amavasya Shraddha.
Significance: Helps calm restless and unsettled souls, guiding them towards peace.
Amavasya Shraddha – 21 September 2025 (Sunday)
Also Known As: Sarva Pitri Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya, Amavas Shraddha
Who to Honour:
- Ancestors who died on Amavasya, Purnima, and Chaturdashi Tithis
- All known and unknown ancestors (especially when the Tithi of death is forgotten)
Significance: The most powerful Shraddha day. One Shraddha on Sarva Pitri Amavasya can appease the entire lineage. Also marks the spiritual descent of Goddess Durga and the beginning of Navratri in Bengal.
When Should Shraddha Be Performed?
Shraddhas are Parvan Shraddhas and should be performed during auspicious timings:
- Kutup Muhurat
- Rohina Muhurat
- Up to the end of Aparahna Kala
The ritual is completed with Tarpan (offering of water and sesame seeds).
Summary of Special Tithis in Pitra Paksha 2025
| Tithi | Other Names | Honoured Ancestors |
|---|---|---|
| Pratipada | Padwa Shraddha | Maternal grandparents (Nana-Nani) |
| Panchami | Kunwara Panchami | Unmarried family members |
| Navami | Matra Navami | Mother and female ancestors |
| Dwadashi | — | Sannyasis or renunciates |
| Trayodashi | Teras, Kakbali | Children and young deceased |
| Chaturdashi | — | Unnatural or violent deaths |
| Amavasya | Sarva Pitri Amavasya | All ancestors (including unknown Tithis) |
Conclusion
Understanding Tithi-wise Shraddha during Pitra Paksha 2025 ensures your offerings reach the right ancestors. This sacred period is more than a religious duty—it is a time of spiritual connection, karmic healing, and generational purification. Even if you don’t know the exact Tithi of an ancestor’s death, performing Amavasya Shraddha on 21st September 2025 ensures that no soul is left unremembered.
