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Shraadh Purnima, a day dedicated to remembering our ancestors, honouring and worshipping them. One of the important days in the Hindu calendar, also known as Pitru Paksh Purnima, brings immense devotion with it. Along with spiritual importance, the day also carries an emotional touch as we seek blessings from our ancestors on this day. Rituals are performed to ensure peace prevails in the departed souls. This blog will revolve around every important thing you need to know about this auspicious day: importance, rituals, and significance.This year Purnima Shraadh starts from 7th September 2025 and ends on 21st September 2025.
What is Shraadh Purnima?
The day falls on the full moon day, also called the Purnima, of the Bhadrapada month according to the Hindu calendar, usually falling in the month of August or September. The word “Shraadh” comes from the Sanskrit word “Shraddha”, meaning faith, respect, and devotion. The time when every Hindu household pays its respect to their ancestors or any departed soul from their family. The souls of “Pitrs” or ancestors are believed to visit their homes during this time.
It is believed that performing these rituals on this day eases the afterlife of our ancestors. The food we provide on this day in their name reaches them, the clothes or any other offerings that are offered in their name on this day reach them. This day is also believed to bring prosperity to the household.
Why is Shraadh Purnima Important?
Shraadh Purnima is not only an auspicious day, on which specific rituals should be performed, but it also holds emotional significance for people performing it. It brings in the wave of gratitude within us towards our ancestors and everything they did for us. In Hindu tradition, the ancestors are considered divine, who keep us guided and protect their children, and by performing Shraadh, we acknowledge them and express our love towards them.
It is also believed that if we ignore these rituals, it might cause various obstacles in our lives. On the contrary, it is believed that performing these rituals with devotion brings in prosperity and enhances the happiness and well-being of the family. This time also provides us with a chance to seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings and strengthen our spiritual connections with our ancestors.
How is Shraadh Purnima Observed?
This is a simple guide on how it is basically performed:
1. Cleaning and Preparing the House
It is believed that before performing any rituals, your place should be cleaned. Also, you should take a bath before performing any rituals. A clean space is often known to invite more prosperity.
2. Setting Up a Puja Area
A small altar or puja area is set up in the house with pictures or idols of ancestors if available. People place a plate with offerings such as rice, water, flowers, fruits, and sweets on the altar. Some families also use pinda, which are small rice balls representing the ancestors’ souls.
3. Offering Pinda
Offering pinda is the most important ritual of Shraadh Purnima. Pinda are made from rice, black sesame seeds, and ghee. They symbolize the body and soul of ancestors. The ritual involves offering these pindas while chanting mantras and prayers to seek blessings for the departed souls.
4. Tarpan or Water Offering
Another important ritual is Tarpan, where water mixed with black sesame seeds is offered to ancestors while reciting sacred mantras. It is believed that offering Tarpan cleanses the souls of ancestors and brings peace to their spirits. People usually perform Tarpan near rivers, ponds, or water bodies.
5. Feeding Brahmins and the Needy
Feeding Brahmins or elderly people is considered an essential part of Shraadh Purnima. It is believed that serving others on this day is equivalent to serving the ancestors themselves. People prepare special meals including rice, lentils, sweets, and fruits, which are then offered and distributed to the Brahmins or the needy.
6. Lighting Lamps
Lighting oil lamps during the ritual is believed to guide the souls of ancestors and remove darkness from the household. It also symbolizes the removal of negativity and the arrival of positivity and peace.
Foods Prepared on Shraadh Purnima
Food plays an important role in Shraadh Purnima rituals. The meals are usually simple, sattvic (pure), and vegetarian, avoiding onion and garlic. Some commonly prepared items include:
1. Rice: Plain or lightly spiced rice is offered as Pinda.
2. Lentils: Various types of dal are cooked to provide nourishment for the ritual.
3. Sweets: Modaks, laddus, and kheer are prepared as offerings.
4. Fruits and Water: Fresh seasonal fruits and clean water are also offered to ancestors.
These offerings are first given to the ancestors spiritually and then shared among family members and guests.
Spiritual Significance of Shraadh Purnima
Shraadh Purnima holds deep spiritual meaning. Here are some key points that highlight its significance:
1. Connection with Ancestors: This day allows us to connect with our ancestors spiritually and acknowledge their presence in our lives.
2. Peace for Departed Souls: Shraadh rituals are believed to offer solace to ancestors, aiding them in finding peace and release from any lingering suffering.
3. Family Harmony: Observing Shraadh Purnima strengthens family bonds and encourages unity and respect among relatives.
4. Karma and Prosperity: Paying homage to ancestors is said to remove obstacles, bring prosperity, and ensure positive energy in the household.
5. Self-Reflection: Shraadh is also a time for self-reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. It teaches us humility and gratitude.
Many people also perform Shraadh Purnima to seek guidance for important decisions and to receive blessings for long-term happiness and success.
Common Myths and Beliefs About Shraadh Purnima
There are several myths and beliefs associated with Shraadh Purnima. While some are symbolic, they convey valuable life lessons:
1. Ignoring Shraadh Brings Misfortune: It is believed that neglecting ancestral rituals can lead to hardships or obstacles. This teaches us the importance of respecting our roots.
2. Ancestors Bless Through Offerings: The offerings made during Shraadh are believed to nourish the souls of ancestors and receive their blessings in return.
3. Tarpan Removes Negative Karma: Offering water and prayers to ancestors is believed to cleanse the household of negativity and past karma.
These beliefs remind us to live with gratitude, respect, and mindfulness, keeping the family and spiritual values alive.
Who Should Perform Shraadh Purnima?
Shraadh Purnima is primarily observed by Hindus, but anyone who wishes to honor their ancestors can perform it. It is especially important for the eldest son or male members in traditional families, though nowadays women and younger family members also actively participate.
Modern Relevance of Shraadh Purnima
Even in modern times, Shraadh Purnima holds relevance. In today’s fast-paced world, people often forget the sacrifices and contributions of past generations. Observing Shraadh encourages gratitude, reflection, and respect, which are important values for maintaining a balanced and meaningful life.
Conclusion
Shraadh Purnima is regarded as more than just a ritual; it is seen as a heartfelt tribute offered to our ancestors, a gentle reminder of our roots, and a way through which blessings for a peaceful and prosperous life are sought. The rituals, when performed with devotion, are believed to honor the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Pinda and Tarpan are offered, and food is shared with the needy so that gratitude may be expressed and ancestral souls may be remembered with respect.
On this day, lessons of gratitude, respect, and the importance of family bonds are taught. Reflection is encouraged, spiritual growth is nurtured, and positive energy is cultivated in our lives. Whether the rituals are followed traditionally or observed in a modern way, the essence of Shraadh Purnima continues to be preserved: love, respect, and devotion toward our ancestors.
Through the celebration of Shraadh Purnima, not only are the ancestors blessed, but a harmonious and prosperous future for families is also shaped. This tradition is cherished as a bridge between the past and the present, serving as a reminder that our destiny continues to be influenced by our roots.
FAQs
Ques 1: Are women allowed to perform shraadh rituals?
Ans 1: Yes, there are no gender restrictions in performing these rituals.
Ques 2: What if a person cannot perform all the rituals?
Ans 2: Even if you cannot perform all the rituals step-wise, offering prayers to your ancestors, donating food and clothes to the needy, and performing basic puja is also enough.