Pitru Paksha 2025: When and How to Perform the First Shradha After Death – Know the Rules and Religious Significance

Pitru Paksha, a significant period in Hindu tradition, is dedicated to honoring ancestors through Shraddha and Pind Daan rituals. These offerings are believed to bring peace to departed souls and earn the blessings of forefathers. In 2025, Pitru Paksha started on 7th September and will continue until 22nd September, ending on Sarvapitri Amavasya. Performing Tarpan and Pind Daan during this period is considered highly auspicious. However, there are important rules to follow, especially regarding the first Shraddha after someone’s death. Many people mistakenly perform it immediately after death, but the first-year Shraddha should only be observed after careful consideration and following the proper traditions.

Important points related to the first Shradha:

The initial Shraddha is to be conducted after one year has passed. Scriptures state that it is observed on the deceased’s first death anniversary.Shraddha rituals should always be done according to the lunar date (tithi). If you cannot calculate the tithi, you can consult a priest about it. For those whose death occurred on any tithi, such as Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, etc., during Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha of any month, their Shraddha is performed on the same tithi during Pitru Paksha. Observing Shraddha on the proper tithi is considered highly important. Shraddha should always be done on the same tithi as the day of death. If someone’s death anniversary falls during Pitru Paksha, the Shraddha performed on that day is considered even more fruitful.

When to perform the first Shradha?

Shraddha can be performed after the annual death anniversary (Barasi) of the ancestor. Therefore, try not to perform Shraddha until the annual death anniversary occurs. The yearly memorial takes place within one year of an individual’s passing. Conducting the first Shraddha offers tranquillity and fulfilment to the departed soul, while performing it invites the blessings and favour of the ancestors."