Shradh Paksha 2024: When is Shradh paksha, know the date and importance of shradh

The ritual of offering tarpan, donation etc. done with devotion in the Shradh Paksha for the peace of the souls of ancestors who have been freed from this world is called Shradh. It is also known as Mahalaya and Pitru Paksha. We have got birth on this earth from our ancestors, so it is our duty to worship for the peace of their souls. It has been mentioned in many texts of Sanatan Dharma, among which Brahma, Vishnu, Vayu, Varaha and Matsya Purana are prominent.

It has its origin in the Vedic period. While mentioning Shradh in the Brahma Purana, it has been said, “Whatever is given to the Brahmins with devotion for the ancestors by following the proper method according to the proper time, person and place, is called Shradh.”

Shradh Dates in 2024

In the year 2024, Shradh Paksha is starting from 17th September 2024, which will end with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 2nd October 2024. During this period, all the followers of Sanatan Dharma can perform Shradh for their ancestors according to the date.

That is why Shradh is performed

In the scriptures and texts, Vasu, Rudra and Aditya have been described as the gods of Shradh. In these days, the three ancestors of every person, father, grandfather and great grandfather are considered to be Vasu, Rudra and Aditya respectively. When the Shradh of ancestors is performed, then they (father, grandfather and great grandfather) are considered to be the representatives of all the ancestors. Whatever mantras are chanted or sacrifices are given during the ritual, they take them to all the other ancestors. It is believed that the father, grandfather and great grandfather enter the body of the person performing the Shradh and after being satisfied with the ritual performed according to the customs, bless the family with happiness, prosperity and better health.

The deceased person who has been free from this world for more than a year is called ‘Pitra’. Shradh is a means of providing food to the ancestors. It is believed that after getting food during Shradh, ancestors come near us through various means and are satisfied.

Importance of Kush and Til in Shradh

It is said that both Kush and sesame have originated from the body of Lord Vishnu. Garuda Purana states that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva reside in Kush. The front part of Kush is considered to belong to the gods. The middle part belongs to humans and the root belongs to the ancestors. Sesame seeds are loved by the ancestors and remove negative energy. Therefore, Kush and sesame seeds are definitely included in the Shrad Puja.

Puja material for Shradh

Shrad puja should be performed by a learned Brahmin. It is very important to have sesame, urad, rice, barley, water, root vegetables, custard apple flowers and fruits in the puja. Get the Shraddha puja done with all your heart. Don’t get angry on this day.

Donate these things in Shradh Paksha

Big question is that what to do on the Shrad Paksha. Giving donations to Brahmins is considered extremely auspicious. On this day, along with feeding kheer puri to Brahmins, poor people should also be fed. Along with this, crows should also be fed on this day. Therefore, the sadhak should place food in the plate and invoke the crows. Apart from all this, donating sesame seeds, cow and gold also has special importance in the Shrad Paksha.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q: When is Shradh Paksha 2024 ?

A: Shradh Paksha will start from 17th September 2024 and will be observed till 2nd October 2024.

Q: To whom should donations be made during these days ?

A: During these days, donations should be made to Brahmins and the poor and miserable people.

Q: What things should be donated on Shradha Paksha ?

A: On the auspicious occasion of Shradh Paksha, food grains, cow, sesame seeds, gold, fruits etc. should be donated.