Pitru Paksha 2021 date, significance and Shradh rituals to be followed

Pitru Paksha or

Shraddha

started on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Pitru Paksha is a 16-day ritual observed in Hinduism to pay obeisance to the souls of those who have departed for their heavenly abode. Pitru Paksha is a mourning period that is marked by many pujas, rituals, and daan (charity) activities. It's said that paying homage to the departed soul during Pitru Paksha helps them attain liberation or moksha.

Pitru Paksha Date

2021
This year, the Pitru Paksha starts from today i.e. Tuesday, September 21, and ends on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya.

Mahalaya Amavasya

is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha.

Importance and Significance of Pitru Paksha

In Hinduism, it is extremely important that once a person dies, his near and dear ones make sure that his body and soul leave the mortal world in a dignified manner. While a funeral only puts the body at rest for good, it is imperative for the soul to attain moksha or peace as well.

For this, it is important to conduct Shraddha each year. The Shraddha ritual is usually conducted by either the oldest son of the deceased or any male relative. However, in some cases, women too can conduct Shraddha. It is said that if Shraddha is performed in the right way, the soul of the deceased comes down to bless his near and dear ones.