Pitru Paksha 2021: Dates, Timings and Significance

Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha or Shraddh Paksha, is a sacred period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring one's ancestors (Pitrs). It begins with the Shraddha performed on the Full Moon of Bhadrapada and continues through the waning fortnight of Ashwina, culminating on the New Moon day - Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

In 2021, Pitru Paksha begins on Monday, 20 September 2021 and concludes on Wednesday, 06 October 2021 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya - the most important day of the entire period.

Starts: 20 Sep (Monday) Ends: 06 Oct (Wednesday) Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 06 Oct 16 Tithis
Browse Years:
2020 2021 2022 2023

All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata.

Tithi Date 2021 Day Tithi Begins Tithi Ends
Purnima 20 Sep Monday 20-Sep-2021 05:30 AM 21-Sep-2021 05:26 AM
Pratipada Krishna 21 Sep Tuesday 21-Sep-2021 05:26 AM 22-Sep-2021 05:53 AM
Dwitiya Krishna 22 Sep Wednesday 22-Sep-2021 05:53 AM 23-Sep-2021 06:55 AM
Tritiya Krishna 24 Sep Friday 23-Sep-2021 06:55 AM 24-Sep-2021 08:31 AM
Chaturthi Krishna 25 Sep Saturday 24-Sep-2021 08:31 AM 25-Sep-2021 10:37 AM
Panchami Krishna 26 Sep Sunday 25-Sep-2021 10:37 AM 26-Sep-2021 01:06 PM
Shashthi Krishna 27 Sep Monday 26-Sep-2021 01:06 PM 27-Sep-2021 03:44 PM
Saptami Krishna 28 Sep Tuesday 27-Sep-2021 03:44 PM 28-Sep-2021 06:18 PM
Ashtami Krishna 29 Sep Wednesday 28-Sep-2021 06:18 PM 29-Sep-2021 08:30 PM
Navami Krishna 30 Sep Thursday 29-Sep-2021 08:30 PM 30-Sep-2021 10:09 PM
Dashami Krishna 01 Oct Friday 30-Sep-2021 10:09 PM 01-Oct-2021 11:04 PM
Ekadashi Krishna 02 Oct Saturday 01-Oct-2021 11:04 PM 02-Oct-2021 11:11 PM
Dwadashi Krishna 03 Oct Sunday 02-Oct-2021 11:11 PM 03-Oct-2021 10:30 PM
Trayodashi Krishna 04 Oct Monday 03-Oct-2021 10:30 PM 04-Oct-2021 09:05 PM
Chaturdashi Krishna 05 Oct Tuesday 04-Oct-2021 09:05 PM 05-Oct-2021 07:04 PM
Amavasya 06 Oct Wednesday 05-Oct-2021 07:04 PM 06-Oct-2021 04:35 PM

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Meaning and Scriptural Basis

"Pitru" refers to ancestors and "Paksha" means a lunar fortnight. Hindu scriptures describe Shraddh as any ritual performed for one's ancestors with proper devotion, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, and sacred mantras. The Markandeya Purana states:

आयुः प्रजां धनं विद्यां स्वर्गं मोक्षं सुखानि च।
प्रयच्छन्ति तथा राज्यं पितरः श्राद्धतर्पितः॥

Meaning: when pleased through Shraddh, one's ancestors bestow long life, progeny, wealth, knowledge, happiness, and ultimately liberation upon the performer.

Why Some Years Have a Combined Tithi Day

Pitru Paksha runs across 15 lunar tithis, from Purnima to Amavasya. Because lunar days don't align exactly with solar days, some years see a tithi "compress" so that two tithis fall within a single calendar day - this is called a tithi Kshaya. The table above automatically combines any such days for 2021.

Shraddh Rituals During Pitru Paksha

Tarpan (Water Offering)

Water mixed with black sesame seeds (til) and Kusha grass is offered to ancestors, usually after a morning bath, while facing south and reciting the names of forefathers.

Pind Daan

Balls of rice, barley, or wheat flour (pind) representing three generations of ancestors are offered with mantras. This is considered one of the most important rituals of the fortnight.

Brahmin Bhoj

Feeding Brahmins is considered highly meritorious, as they are believed to represent the ancestors themselves during the ritual.

Daan (Charity)

Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy - and feeding cows, crows, and dogs - is regarded as an offering that brings peace to departed souls.

Auspicious Timings for Shraddh

Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna Kaal

Shraddh rituals are traditionally performed as Parvan Shraddha, ideally within three windows: Kutup Muhurat (roughly late mid-morning), Rohina Muhurat (immediately following Kutup), and Aparahna Kaal (the early afternoon period). These windows are calculated from each day's precise sunrise and sunset, so confirm the exact time for your location and date via your daily Panchang rather than relying on a single fixed clock time across all tithis.

What to Avoid During Pitru Paksha

  • Weddings, engagements, and other auspicious ceremonies
  • Griha Pravesh or buying a new house
  • Purchasing a new vehicle or starting a new business
  • Celebrations, parties, and festive events
  • Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion and garlic (as per family tradition)
  • Haircuts, shaving, and buying new clothes (customary in many families)
  • Arguments, harsh speech, and negative thoughts

Note: daily work, office commitments, and regular spiritual practice may continue as normal - only major auspicious undertakings are typically postponed.

Regional Traditions Across India

North India

Pind Daan holds special importance, with Gaya, Prayagraj, Kashi, and Badrinath regarded as the most meritorious places to perform it.

Maharashtra & Gujarat

Mahalaya Shraddha is widely observed, with special dishes like Puran Poli prepared and offered to Brahmins, cows, crows, and dogs after the ritual meal.

Bengal, Odisha & Assam

Shraddh is mainly performed as Tarpan on Mahalaya Amavasya, with a holy bath in the Ganga or another sacred river followed by offerings of sesame and water.

South India

Known as Pitru Karma. Karnataka observes Mattu Amavasya; Tamil Nadu performs Shraddh on Mahalaya Amavasya; Kerala calls it Bali, with offerings made at the Kavu.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pitru Paksha 2021 start and end?
Pitru Paksha 2021 begins on Monday, 20 September 2021 with Purnima Shraddha and ends on Wednesday, 06 October 2021 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Also called Mahalaya Amavasya, it is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha (06 October 2021), on which Shraddh can be performed for all ancestors - known or unknown, and regardless of their actual death tithi.
Who can perform Shraddh during Pitru Paksha?
Traditionally the eldest son or a male descendant performs Shraddh. If no male family member is available, women can perform Shraddh and Pind Daan with proper guidance from a priest.
What if I don't know the exact tithi my ancestor passed away on?
Perform Shraddh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (06 October 2021). This day is considered suitable for honouring all ancestors, particularly when the exact tithi of passing is unknown or forgotten.
Can I travel or celebrate a birthday during Pitru Paksha?
Regular travel and essential activities are generally fine. Large celebrations are usually postponed as a mark of respect, though simple birthday observances without festivities are considered acceptable by many families - practices vary, so it's worth checking your family's tradition.
What are the main items needed for Shraddh?
Common items include black sesame seeds, rice or barley flour, Kusha grass, water, milk, honey, and Ghee, along with flowers and food for the Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals.
Other 2021 Calendars