In Sanatan Dharma, Pitru Paksha holds special significance. It is a sacred period of sixteen days when living descendants remember their ancestors and perform tarpan, pind daan, and shraddha rituals for them. It is believed that during these days, the gates of Pitru Loka (the realm of ancestors) open, and the souls of ancestors visit the homes of their descendants. By performing shraddha, the ancestors are satisfied, and in return, they bless their families with peace and prosperity.
In this sequence, Ashtami Shraddha is observed, which is dedicated to those ancestors who passed away on the Ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day) of the Bhadrapada or Ashwin month.
What is Ashtami Shraddha?
Ashtami Shraddha is the ritual performed during Pitru Paksha on the Ashtami tithi. It is especially meant for those ancestors who departed on the Ashtami tithi of the lunar month.
According to religious beliefs, the tarpan and pind daan performed on this day directly reach the ancestors, granting peace to their souls. They, in turn, bless their descendants with long life, prosperity, and children.
Why is Ashtami Shraddha Observed?
- For the satisfaction of ancestors – It is believed that without shraddha, the souls of ancestors remain unsatisfied. Through shraddha, they attain contentment.
- For the progress of the family – When ancestors are pleased, the family experiences peace, happiness, and growth in wealth.
- For liberation from debts – Scriptures describe Pitru Rina (ancestral debt) as extremely important. Performing shraddha fulfills this duty.
- For blessings – Ancestors’ blessings bring progeny, good health, and success to the family.
When is Ashtami Shraddha in 2025?
According to the Hindu calendar:
Ashtami Shraddha 2025 will be observed on Sunday, 14 September 2025.
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 13 September 2025, 9:15 PM
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 14 September 2025, 6:47 PM
Therefore, 14 September 2025 (Sunday) is the most auspicious day to perform Ashtami Shraddha.
Rituals of Ashtami Shraddha
- Bath and Sankalpa (Resolution)
Begin the day with a holy bath, wear clean clothes, sit facing south on a kusha grass seat, and take a vow while remembering the ancestors. - Invocation of Ancestors
Offer sesame seeds, water, and kusha grass while invoking the ancestors and perform tarpan. - Pind Daan
Prepare pinds using rice, barley, sesame seeds, ghee, and honey, and offer them in the name of the ancestors. This is the core ritual of shraddha. - Feeding Brahmins
On this day, feeding Brahmins and offering them dakshina (donation) is considered equivalent to directly serving the ancestors. - Offering Food to Cow, Dog, and Crow
During Pitru Paksha, feeding a cow, dog, and crow holds great importance as they are considered symbols of ancestors.
What Should Be Done on Ashtami Shraddha?
- Perform tarpan, pind daan, and feed Brahmins.
- Offer black sesame seeds with water in rituals.
- If possible, perform shraddha at sacred sites like Gaya, Haridwar, or Prayagraj.
- Donate food, clothes, and essentials to the needy.
- Light a lamp in the name of ancestors.
- Recite Bhagavad Gita, Garuda Purana, or Vishnu Sahasranama at home.
What Should Not Be Done on Ashtami Shraddha?
- Avoid meat, alcohol, or tamasic food.
- Cutting hair, shaving, or trimming nails is prohibited.
- Do not quarrel, speak harshly, or use abusive words.
- Avoid unnecessary expenses and show-off.
- Do not waste food.
Importance of Ashtami Shraddha in Scriptures
- Garuda Purana states that one who performs shraddha is freed from ancestral debt and attains great merit.
- Manusmriti emphasizes that without satisfying ancestors, even the worship of gods is fruitless.
- In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira asked Bhishma Pitamah about the significance of Pitru Paksha Shraddha, and he explained that it ensures the upliftment and progress of one’s lineage.
Benefits of Ashtami Shraddha
- Grants peace and liberation to the souls of ancestors.
- Brings happiness, prosperity, and mental peace in the family.
- Childless couples may be blessed with children.
- Removes diseases and conflicts in the household.
- Ancestors’ blessings lead to success and growth in life.
Special Food for Ashtami Shraddha
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding)
- Puri
- Pumpkin curry
- Black gram lentils (urad dal)
- Preparations made with sesame seeds or peanuts
These dishes are cooked in a pure, sattvic manner and offered to Brahmins, cows, crows, and dogs.
Ashtami Shraddha is not merely a ritual but a way to express gratitude toward one’s ancestors. By bringing peace to their souls, we invite blessings of prosperity and happiness into our families.
On 14 September 2025 (Sunday), Ashtami Shraddha should be observed by all those whose ancestors passed away on the Ashtami tithi. Performing it with devotion ensures that the ancestors are pleased and bless their descendants, removing obstacles from life.