Pritru Paksh 2023: Why is the last day of Shradh the most important? Know best time for Tarpan and more

Pritru Paksh 2023: Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honoring and paying homage to deceased ancestors or "Pitrus."

This year Pitru Paksh began on October 29 and will end on October 14. It typically falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada, and it is believed that during this time, the spirits of departed ancestors visit the earthly realm. Families perform various rituals, including offering food, water, and prayers to their ancestors to seek their blessings and ensure their souls find peace in the afterlife. Pitru Paksha is a time for reflection, expressing gratitude to one's forefathers, and seeking their guidance and blessings for the well-being of the living family members.

Why is the last day important?

According to popular Vedic Astrology Teacher & Counsellor, Bani Singh Chadha, the last day of the 16 day period of shradh is the most important, the most sacred and it's called Mahalaya Amvasya.
Now, on this day, you can collectively honor all of your ancestors, especially if you don’t know the correct deity.

It's important to offer at midday between 11 to 12:30 p.m. Even if you were able to do the ceremony on the right and correct deity.
Bani further says, on this day, it's still important to honor and show your love and gratitude to the ancestors just like when we have guests in our house and we look after them while they are there. But when they're leaving, we show even more love to them and honor them by giving them gifts.

Similarly on the last day of the Pitru Paksh, it's important to show our love and respect for our ancestors as without their blessings, we can face ups and downs in our lives. So, with these rituals, we satisfy them and in return, they shower us with blessings.

Also watch: Durga Puja 2023: Unveiling Maa Durga's 10 weapons and their symbolic significance