What are Shraddh Tithis?
Shraddh (also spelled Shradh or Shraddha) refers to the sacred Hindu rituals performed to honour and pay homage to departed ancestors (Pitrus). The word comes from "Shraddha" meaning faith and devotion. Shraddh Tithis are specific lunar dates on which these ancestral rites are performed, based on the tithi (lunar day) of the ancestor's death.
Pitru Paksha — The Fortnight of Ancestors
The most important period for Shraddh is Pitru Paksha, the 16-day period during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month (September–October). During this fortnight, it is believed that the souls of ancestors descend to the earthly plane, and performing Shraddh on the correct tithi brings them immense peace and satisfaction.
Types of Shraddh Tithis
- Pratipada to Chaturdashi — Shraddh for ancestors who passed away on these respective tithis.
- Purnima Shraddh — First day of Pitru Paksha; for those who died on Purnima.
- Amavasya Shraddh (Sarva Pitru Amavasya) — The last and most important day; Shraddh can be performed for ALL ancestors regardless of their death tithi.
- Bharani Shraddh — When Bharani Nakshatra falls during Pitru Paksha; highly meritorious.
- Avidhava Navami — The 9th day; Shraddh for married women (Suhagan) who passed away before their husbands.
- Ghata Chaturdashi — For those who died by accidents, weapons, or unnatural causes.
Rituals
- Identify the correct tithi based on the ancestor's date of death.
- Take a holy bath early in the morning and wear clean white clothes.
- Prepare food — typically rice, dal, vegetables, and kheer (without onion/garlic).
- Perform Tarpan — offer water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass facing south.
- Perform Pind Daan — offer rice balls (pind) representing the ancestors.
- Feed Brahmins and/or the needy. Offer food to crows (representatives of Yama's messengers).
- Donate clothes, food, and money in memory of the departed.
Fasting Guidelines
- The person performing Shraddh should remain on a Sattvic diet.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tamasic items during Pitru Paksha.
- The performer may eat only after completing all rituals and feeding others.
- New purchases, celebrations, and auspicious activities are traditionally avoided during Pitru Paksha.
Significance & Benefits
- Resolution of Pitru Dosha in the horoscope — a major cause of delays in marriage, financial problems, and family disputes.
- Peace and salvation (Sadgati) for departed ancestors.
- Blessings of ancestors for prosperity, health, and progeny.
- Removal of ancestral curses and negative karmic patterns.
- Spiritual merit (Punya) for the performer and the entire family.