According to the Hindu calendar, every year the 15-day period from the full moon of Bhadrapada month to the new moon of Ashwin month is dedicated to ancestors, known as Pitru Paksha or Shradh Paksha. This is the time when people perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity for the peace of their ancestors' souls. In the year 2025, Pitru Paksha begins on September 7th and will last until September 21st. However, this time, an astronomical event is occurring even before the start, making these dates even more special.
Lunar Eclipse to Occur on September 7th
This time, Pitru Paksha is starting on the exact same day that the year's last lunar eclipse is going to occur. That is, September 7th will be the first day of Pitru Paksha, and on the same night, there will also be a lunar eclipse. This lunar eclipse will be visible in India, so its Sutak period will also be valid. Religious activities are prohibited during the Sutak period, which is why the time for Tarpan on the first day of Pitru Paksha will be limited.
When Will the Lunar Eclipse Start and End?
According to the Panchang, the lunar eclipse will begin on September 7th at 9:58 PM and end on September 8th at 1:26 AM. This will be a total eclipse of about 3 hours and 28 minutes. Since the lunar eclipse will be visible in India, its Sutak period will be valid. The Sutak period begins 9 hours before the eclipse. That is, the Sutak will begin on September 7th from 12:58 PM.
What Will Be the Auspicious Time for Tarpan?
Since the Sutak period will begin after 12:58 PM and no religious activities can be performed after that, the auspicious time for performing Tarpan and Shradh on September 7th will be from morning to 12:58 PM. Astrologers believe that if someone has to perform Tarpan on the same day, they should complete these rituals before noon, as it is forbidden to perform Tarpan after Sutak.
Why is Tarpan Performed in Pitru Paksha?
According to ancient beliefs, ancestors come to Earth during Pitru Paksha and accept Tarpan, Pind Daan, and food from their descendants. By doing this, their souls attain peace, and they happily bless their families. It is believed that those who remember their ancestors with reverence during this period attain happiness and prosperity in life, and Pitru Dosh (ancestral দোষ) is also pacified.
How are Tarpan and Shradh Performed?
Tarpan is usually performed near a sacred river, pond, or any water source. In this, ancestors are remembered using water, sesame seeds, flowers, Kusha grass, and some special mantras. Besides this, Brahmin Bhoj (feeding Brahmins) and charity also have special significance. Many people also perform Shradh rituals at home and invite Brahmins to partake in a meal.
What Should Not Be Done During a Lunar Eclipse?
According to religious beliefs, it is important to avoid certain things during a lunar eclipse. During this time, worship is not performed, it is forbidden to touch the idols of deities, new food is not cooked, and no food is eaten. Pregnant women should take special precautions and refrain from going out of the house or looking at the eclipse with the naked eye during this time.
Why is the Sutak Period of an Eclipse Important?
The Sutak period is considered an inauspicious time. Since this lunar eclipse will be visible in India, the effect of Sutak will be valid. No auspicious work is allowed during the Sutak period. It is advised to postpone tasks like worship, fasting, Tarpan, Yagya, etc., during this time. In such a situation, despite being the first day of Pitru Paksha, most people will offer Tarpan to their ancestors only in the morning or afternoon on this day.
What All is Done in Pitru Paksha?
In Pitru Paksha, Shradh is performed every day according to a specific date. Those who do not have parents perform Shradh according to their death anniversary. On the other hand, those who do not know the date of their ancestors perform Tarpan on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This year, this day falls on September 21st. On this day, most people collectively perform Pind Daan and Tarpan.
Why is This Pitru Paksha Special From a Religious Perspective?
This year, Pitru Paksha is beginning with an eclipse, which is a rare coincidence. This is considered important from both a religious and astrological point of view. Usually, religious activities are avoided on the day of an eclipse, but when the same day is the beginning of Shradh Paksha, it becomes even more important for devotees to know and perform the rituals at the right time.
