According to the Hindu Calendar, Pratipada Shraddha is observed on ‘pratipada tithi’ (1st day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the period of bright fortnight of moon) in the ‘Bhadrapada’ month. It is also called Padwa Shraddha. Pratipada Shraddha is the first day of the Pitru Paksha (the fortnight period dedicated to ancestors) that ends with ‘Mahalaya Shraddha’. The ritual of Pratipada Shraddha is observed for the dead ancestors of the family. Shraddha can also be offered to the maternal grandparents on this day. Though it is not obligatory to perform shradh for maternal grandparents, Shastras have dedicated this special day when you are allowed to perform Shraddha to them to get peace and prosperity in the family. In 2021, Pratipada Shraddha falls on Tuesday, 21st September.
Significance Of Pratipada Shraddha
Shraddha is a significant custom that is seen in Hinduism for the deceased ancestors. The particulars of all the Shraddha rituals are referenced in some sacred texts like ‘Matsya Purana’, ‘Garuda Purana’ and ‘Agni Purana’, to give some examples. The tarpan and pind-daan ceremonies are done to offer harmony to the dead individuals. It offers freedom from the cycle of birth and death, bringing about salvation. Kasha, Gaya, Prayag Sangam, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Rameshwaram are significant pilgrimage places for conducting the Pratipada Shraddha. This day, like all other days of Pitru Paksha, is considered to be inauspicious.
Pratipada Shraddha, 2021 Muhurat
- Kutup (कुतुप) Muhurat – 11:50 AM to 12:38 PM
Duration – 00 Hours 49 Mins
- Rohina (रौहिण) Muhurat – 12:38 PM to 01:27 PM
Duration – 00 Hours 49 Mins
- Aparahna (अपराह्न) Kaal – 01:27 PM to 03:53 PM
Duration – 02 Hours 26 Mins
- Pratipada Tithi Begins – 05:24 AM on Sep 21, 2021
- Pratipada Tithi Ends – 05:51 AM on Sep 22, 2021
Pratipada Shraddha Vidhi
- The rituals of Pratipada Shraddha include performing tarpan to the deceased members of the family. It is a way of paying homage to one’s ancestors. All these rituals should be performed by the eldest male member of the family.
- After the tarpan ritual is done, pind-daan is conducted in which the offerings are either immersed in a river or given to a cow.
- The Pratipada Shraddha puja is performed in a proper time so that the prasad can be taken in the ‘Aparahna’ or afternoon. Once all the rituals are done, the food is offered to a Brahmin first and then eaten by all the family members.
- Some people also do charity work on the Shraddha day to pay respect to their deceased family member. Some other people observe a fast the entire day.
- It’s mandatory to wat vegetarian food and not consuming alcohol on all days of Pitru Paksha. Some people even do not shave or cut their hair during this time.
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