In Sanatan Dharma, Shraddha holds an extremely sacred place. The purpose of performing Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is to remember our ancestors, to satisfy their souls, and to seek their blessings.
During Pitru Paksha, a special Shraddha is performed on each lunar date, which is dedicated to those ancestors who passed away on that particular date.
Chaturthi Shraddha is performed for the soul of those ancestors who passed away on the Chaturthi tithi of the lunar month. This day is considered very special for the family because by performing Shraddha rituals on this date, they pray for the peace and liberation (moksha) of their ancestors’ souls.
2. Why is Chaturthi Shraddha observed?
Chaturthi Shraddha is not merely a religious duty, but also an opportunity to express gratitude towards one’s ancestors. There are several spiritual and social reasons behind it—
(a) Repayment of Pitru Rina (ancestral debt)
According to Hindu scriptures, every living being is born with three types of debts:
- Deva Rina – debt towards the deities
- Rishi Rina – debt towards sages, gurus, and knowledge
- Pitru Rina – debt towards ancestors
The simplest and most powerful way to repay ancestral debt is through the performance of Shraddha.
(b) Peace of the soul
After death, the soul wanders in the subtle realm. Through Shraddha rituals, Pind Daan and Tarpan, the ancestors’ souls attain satisfaction and move forward towards Pitru Loka.
(c) Blessings and prosperity
The scriptures state:
“Pitru deva: pritimapnuvanti, pitribhya: prasannata sarvam bhavati.”
Meaning – When the ancestors are pleased, the family is blessed with peace, prosperity, progeny’s progress, and wealth.
(d) Familial and cultural tradition
Shraddha connects society with family and tradition. It is not merely a ritual, but a symbol of the continuity of values and culture.
3. Importance of Chaturthi Shraddha
- This day is especially meant to provide peace to the souls of those ancestors who passed away on Chaturthi tithi.
- Performing Chaturthi Shraddha pleases the ancestors in Pitru Loka, and they bless their descendants.
- It is believed that neglecting one’s ancestors brings obstacles, troubles, and failures in life.
4. When is Chaturthi Shraddha in 2025?
According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturthi Shraddha in Pitru Paksha 2025 will be observed on 10th September 2025.
On this day, devotees should take a holy bath in the morning, make a vow (sankalp), and perform Shraddha rituals as per tradition.
5. Rituals of Chaturthi Shraddha
(a) Morning preparation
- Take a bath before sunrise and wear clean clothes.
- Place a seat made of kusha grass in the courtyard and take a vow while remembering the ancestors.
(b) Pitru Tarpan
- Offer tarpan (water oblations) to the ancestors in a sacred river, pond, well, or at home.
- While offering, chant the names, gotra, and death date of the ancestors.
(c) Pind Daan
- Prepare pinds from barley, sesame seeds, rice, and ghee, and offer them to the ancestors.
- Express gratitude towards the ancestors during the offering.
(d) Feeding and charity to Brahmins
- Serve food to Brahmins with respect, and offer donations like clothes, grains, and money.
- It is believed that only through Brahmin feeding do the ancestors attain true satisfaction.
(e) Prayer for family’s welfare
- After completing the Shraddha rituals, all family members should seek the blessings of ancestors and partake of the prasada.
6. Scriptural references and beliefs
- The Manusmriti and Garuda Purana emphasize the great importance of Shraddha.
- It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the ancestors’ souls descend to Earth and await offerings from their descendants.
- If Shraddha is not performed during these days, ancestors become displeased, and obstacles arise in life.
7. Prohibitions on Chaturthi Shraddha
Some actions should be avoided on this day—
- Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tamasic items are strictly prohibited.
- Avoid inauspicious deeds, quarrels, and harsh words.
- The performer of Shraddha should eat only sattvic food.
- Greed, anger, and show-off should be avoided; rituals must be done with pure devotion.
8. Relevance of Chaturthi Shraddha in modern times
Even in today’s time, Shraddha holds as much importance as it did in ancient times.
- It connects us with our roots and traditions.
- It instills values and gratitude in life.
- It unites the family and ensures the well-being of future generations with the blessings of ancestors.
Chaturthi Shraddha is not just a religious ritual, but an expression of devotion, gratitude, and love towards one’s ancestors.
By performing Shraddha rituals, Pind Daan, and Tarpan with devotion on this day, the ancestors are pleased and bestow blessings of peace, prosperity, and happiness upon their descendants.