In the Sanatan Dharma tradition, Pitru Paksha holds special significance. This is the period when our ancestors, pleased by the call of their descendants, return to this earth and find fulfillment through Tarpan, Shraddha, and Pind Daan. Pitru Paksha concludes on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is considered the day of departure for the ancestors.
On this day, performing Shraddha, Tarpan, and donations for the salvation of our known and unknown ancestors, for the peace of their souls, and for the blessings of God is considered extremely virtuous.
In 2025, Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Sunday, September 21st. The Amavasya Tithi will begin at 12:16 am on September 21st and will last until 1:23 am on September 22nd. According to the belief of Udayatithi, Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on September 21st. On this day, ancestors can be appeased by performing Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan.
The best time for Shraddha on this day is from 11:50 am to 1:27 pm. Performing Tarpan for ancestors as per the rituals at this time satisfies the soul and ensures the family’s continued blessings.
Religious beliefs hold that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors visit their descendants and, pleased with their devotion and service, bestow blessings. Without Shraddha and Tarpan, the souls of ancestors remain incomplete, so it is extremely important to remember them properly on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
It is said in the Puranas that—
Yen Pitriganaah Triptaah Ten Devah Prasannaah.
That is, when the ancestors are pleased, only then are the gods pleased and bestow happiness and prosperity in life.
Offering tarpan to ancestors paves the way for spiritual peace and salvation. Especially for those whose family has suffered an untimely death, performing tarpan and shraddha on this day liberates them from worldly attachments and helps them attain the ultimate abode.
This year, a solar eclipse is also occurring on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This eclipse will begin at 10:59 pm on September 21st and will last until 3:23 am on September 22nd. This event will not be visible in India because it will occur at night. Therefore, the Sutak period will not have any effect. Therefore, worship of ancestors, offering tarpan, and Pind Daan can be performed throughout the day without any interruption.
In Hinduism, charity is considered the highest virtue. This tradition is repeatedly described by our sages and religious texts. By donating, not only do the souls of the ancestors get satisfaction, but the donor also gets immense virtuous results.
It is said in the scriptures
Danen Bhootani Vashi Bhavanti Danen Vairanyapi Yanti Nasham.
(दानेन भूतानि वशी भवन्ति दानेन वैरण्यपि यान्ति नाशम् ।)
That is, through charity, living beings are controlled, enmity is destroyed, even the enemy becomes a friend, and all the troubles of life are removed only through charity.
The importance of donating food, donating cows and donating clothes has been especially mentioned on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Providing food to Brahmins and needy people, donating jaggery, rice, wheat, and ghee, and serving the poor satisfy the ancestors.
Donating food and grains on Sarva Pitru Amavasya is best. Therefore, on this auspicious occasion, perform Tarpan for your ancestors and become a part of the virtue by supporting the Narayan Seva Sansthan‘s project of donating food to Brahmins and poor, destitute, and disabled children.
Q: When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025?
A: Sarva Pitru Amavasya is on September 21, 2025.
Q: To whom should donations be made on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
A: On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, donations should be made to Brahmins and destitute, helpless, and poor people.
Q: What items should be donated on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
A: On the auspicious occasion of Sarva Pitru Amavasya, one should donate grains, food, jaggery, sesame seeds, cows, ghee, fruits, etc.
Q: When is the solar eclipse?
A: The solar eclipse is occurring on September 21.