| Date | Day | Observance of Shraddh |
|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2023 | Friday | Purnima Shraddh / Pratipada Shraddh / Padwa Shraddh [Beginning of Pitru Paksha] |
| September 30, 2023 | Saturday | Dwitiya Shraddh |
| October 1, 2023 | Sunday | Tritiya Shraddh |
| October 2, 2023 | Monday | Chaturthi Shraddh / Maha Bharani |
| October 3, 2023 | Tuesday | Panchami Shraddh / Kuvar Panchami |
| October 4, 2023 | Wednesday | Shashthi Shraddh |
| October 5, 2023 | Thursday | Saptami Shraddh |
| October 6, 2023 | Friday | Ashtami Shraddh |
| October 7, 2023 | Saturday | Navami Shraddh / Matru Navami / Avadhva Shraddh |
| October 8, 2023 | Sunday | Dashami Shraddh |
| October 9, 2023 | Monday | Ekadashi Shraddh |
| October 10, 2023 | Tuesday | Magha Shraddh |
| October 11, 2023 | Wednesday | Dwadashi Shraddh |
| October 12, 2023 | Thursday | Trayodashi Shraddh |
| October 13, 2023 | Friday | Chaturdashi / Chaudas Shraddh |
| October 14, 2023 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya [End of Pitru Paksha] |
Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha, also referred to as Shradh Paksha, is a 16-day period in Hinduism dedicated to the worship of ancestors.
According to belief, the souls of three generations of deceased ancestors reside in a transitional realm known as Pitrulok (Pitralok). During Pitru Paksha / Shradh Paksha, Yamaraj or Yama, the God of Death, releases these souls to visit their living relatives and accept offerings of gifts, food, and water.
Pitru Paksha / Shradh Paksha is observed annually for fifteen days, during which people typically gather at the banks of rivers, including the sacred Ganges, to offer these provisions to their departed ancestors.
This ritual is conducted with the assistance of priests and Brahmins and is considered an exceptionally auspicious time of the year.
During this period, individuals provide food and water to their deceased ancestors through the intermediaries of priests or Brahmins, as it is believed that the ancestors return to Earth during Pitru Paksha to receive these offerings.
