Pitru Paksha 2023: 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 2023, Pitru Paksha begins on Friday, 29 September 2023 and concludes on Saturday, 14 October 2023 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya - the most important day of the entire period.

Starts: 29 Sep (Friday) Ends: 14 Oct (Saturday) Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 14 Oct 16 Tithis
Browse Years:
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata.

Tithi Date 2023 Day Tithi Begins Tithi Ends
Purnima 29 Sep Friday 28-Sep-2023 06:50 PM 29-Sep-2023 03:28 PM
Pratipada Krishna 30 Sep Saturday 29-Sep-2023 03:28 PM 30-Sep-2023 12:23 PM
Dwitiya Krishna 01 Oct Sunday 30-Sep-2023 12:23 PM 01-Oct-2023 09:43 AM
Tritiya Krishna & Chaturthi Krishna 02 Oct Monday 01-Oct-2023 09:43 AM 02-Oct-2023 07:38 AM
Panchami Krishna 03 Oct Tuesday 03-Oct-2023 06:13 AM 04-Oct-2023 05:34 AM
Shashthi Krishna 04 Oct Wednesday 04-Oct-2023 05:34 AM 05-Oct-2023 05:42 AM
Saptami Krishna 05 Oct Thursday 05-Oct-2023 05:42 AM 06-Oct-2023 06:36 AM
Ashtami Krishna 07 Oct Saturday 06-Oct-2023 06:36 AM 07-Oct-2023 08:09 AM
Navami Krishna 08 Oct Sunday 07-Oct-2023 08:09 AM 08-Oct-2023 10:13 AM
Dashami Krishna 09 Oct Monday 08-Oct-2023 10:13 AM 09-Oct-2023 12:37 PM
Ekadashi Krishna 10 Oct Tuesday 09-Oct-2023 12:37 PM 10-Oct-2023 03:09 PM
Dwadashi Krishna 11 Oct Wednesday 10-Oct-2023 03:09 PM 11-Oct-2023 05:37 PM
Trayodashi Krishna 12 Oct Thursday 11-Oct-2023 05:37 PM 12-Oct-2023 07:54 PM
Chaturdashi Krishna 13 Oct Friday 12-Oct-2023 07:54 PM 13-Oct-2023 09:51 PM
Amavasya 14 Oct Saturday 13-Oct-2023 09:51 PM 14-Oct-2023 11:25 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 2023.

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 2023 start and end?
Pitru Paksha 2023 begins on Friday, 29 September 2023 with Purnima Shraddha and ends on Saturday, 14 October 2023 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Also called Mahalaya Amavasya, it is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha (14 October 2023), 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 (14 October 2023). 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 2023 Calendars