Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (usually falling in September), when Shradh rituals are performed to remember and honor our ancestors.
Pitru means ancestors and Paksh means a fortnight (15-day period)
In Nashik, thousands of devotees are gathering at Ramkund on the banks of the Godavari River to perform Pind daan, Tarpan, and other offerings for their forefathers.
Known as one of India’s most important spiritual centers, Nashik holds a unique place in the observance of Pitru Paksha because of its deep connection with the Ramayana and its sacred ghats.
Pitru Paksha 2025 is currently one of the most significant events in the city and it is currently among the top highlights in Nashik City News as thousands gather at Ramkund for Shraddh rituals.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha or Pitra Paksh, also called Shradh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day lunar period dedicated to performing rituals for departed ancestors (Pitrs).
According to Hindu belief, offerings made during this time help bring peace to souls of ancestors and also remove Pitra dosh from the family lineage. Rituals typically include Tarpan (water oblations), Pind daan (rice ball offerings), and charitable acts.
Pitru Paksha Dates 2025
In 2025, Pitru Paksha began on September 7 and will end on September 21. The final day of this period, known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, holds the highest importance as it allows families to perform Shraddh for ancestors whose exact tithis (death anniversaries) may not be known.
The word Shradh comes from Shraddha (devotion) and it means acts performed with devotion.
During Pitra Paksh, Shradh refers to the rituals performed with devotion, gratitude, and respect for one’s ancestors – offering food and prayers so that their souls attain peace and the family receives blessings.
- Pitru Paksha start date: September 7, 2025
- Pitru Paksha end date: September 21, 2025 (Sarvapitri Amavasya)
Pitra Paksh in 2025 began on Bhadrapada Purnima (7 September 2025) and will conclude on Ashwin Amavasya or Sarvapitri Amavasya (21 September 2025), according to the Hindu lunar calendar (Amanta system) as followed in Maharashtra.
According to the latest news from Nashik, the pandits at Ramkund in Panchavati have reported a rise in devotees performing pind daan and tarpan this year.
Shradh Rituals at Ramkund, Nashik
Nashik’s Ramkund in Panchavati is one of the holiest places in India for Pitru Paksha rituals.
Situated along the Godavari River, Ramkund is considered sacred because Lord Rama is believed to have performed Shradh here for his father Maharaj Dashrath while living in Panchavati during exile.
Shradh Rituals at Ramkund Nashik During Pitru Paksha
During Pitru Paksha, devotees from across India travel to Nashik, especially Ramkund, to perform Shradh rituals under the guidance of Brahmin priests who have preserved these traditions for generations. The main rituals include:
- Pind daan – offerings of rice balls mixed with sesame and ghee, placed on sacred ground as symbolic food for ancestors.
- Tarpan – water offerings made on the riverbank with prayers for peace of departed souls.
- Shraddh puja – recitation of mantras, offering prayers, and feeding of Brahmins (Brahmin Bhojan).
- Anna daan – donating food and essentials to the needy, an important act of charity during this period.
- Pitru dosh puja – special rituals performed to overcome obstacles believed to arise from ancestral dissatisfaction.
The brahmin priests of Nashik have been custodians of these rituals for generations, ensuring that devotees perform them in the correct manner according to Vedic traditions.
Sarvapitri Amavasya in Nashik
The last day of Pitru Paksha is observed as Sarvapitri Amavasya (also known as Mahalaya Amavasya). In Nashik, this day witnesses the largest gatherings at Ramkund.
Families who do not know the exact lunar tithi of their ancestors’ death anniversary perform Shradh rituals on this day, ensuring that all forefathers are remembered and honored.
Brahmin Pandits, respectfully called Gurujis, guide devotees through collective ceremonies of Pind daan and Tarpan, making Sarvapitri Amavasya one of the most spiritually charged days in Panchavati.
Importance of Pitru Paksha in Nashik’s Spiritual Heritage
Nashik is not only one of the four Kumbh Mela sites but also deeply connected to the Ramayana. Panchavati, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent part of their exile, is today the center of Pitru Paksha observances.
The Ram Kal Path project is further enhancing accessibility and heritage value around Sita Gufa, Kalaram Temple, and Ramkund, making Nashik even more significant for pilgrims during this period.
For readers following Nashik news and cultural updates, Pitru Paksha remains one of the most important annual observances in the city’s religious calendar.
Significance of Pitru Paksha in Nashik
Pitru Paksha in Nashik is not just a ritual but a cultural tradition that brings families together at Ramkund.
By performing Shradh, Pind daan, and Tarpan here, devotees feel connected both to their ancestors and to a centuries-old heritage.
This sacred practice keeps Panchavati alive as one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites during Pitra Paksh or the fortnight of remembering and honouring our ancestors!.
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Pitra Paksh FAQs
What is Pitru Paksha and why is it important?
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period dedicated to honoring our ancestors through Shradh rituals, tarpan, and offerings. Hindus believe that performing these rites ensures peace for departed souls and blessings for the family.
When is Pitru Paksha in 2025?
In 2025, Pitru Paksha will begin on 7 September 2025 (Sunday) and end on 21 September 2025 (Sunday) with Sarvapitri Amavasya.
What rituals are performed during Pitru Paksha?
The main rituals include Tarpan (offering water), Pind Daan (offering rice balls), and Shradh puja performed under the guidance of brahmin priests. Food donations to Brahmins, feeding cows and the poor are also an integral part.
Can Shradh be done on any day of Pitru Paksha?
Yes, Shradh is ideally performed on the tithi (lunar day) of the ancestor’s death. However, if the exact date is not known, it can be done on Sarvapitri Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha.
Why is Nashik important during Pitru Paksha?
Nashik, especially Ramkund in Panchavati and Trimbakeshwar Temple, are among the most sacred places in India for performing Pitru Paksha Shradh. Scriptures mention that offering Shradh here ensures salvation for ancestors.
How is Pitru Paksha observed at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik?
Thousands of devotees visit Trimbakeshwar during Pitru Paksha to perform Shradh rituals like Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Narayan Nagbali puja under the guidance of temple priests.
When is Sarvapitri Amavasya 2025 in Nashik?
Sarvapitri Amavasya will be observed on 21 September 2025 (Sunday) at Trimbakeshwar Temple and Nashik. On this day, families perform Shradh for all ancestors, even if their exact death tithi is unknown.
What Nashik news updates are common during Pitru Paksha?
Local Nashik city news often reports on large crowds, traffic arrangements, and rituals at Trimbakeshwar Temple during Pitra Paksh. Devotees planning to visit can stay updated with these news reports.
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