Overview

• Pitru Paksha runs from September 7 to 21, concluding on Sarva Pitru (Mahalaya) Amavasya, the most significant day of the fortnight.
• Saptami Shradh falls on September 13, with Drik Panchang listing Kutup Muhurat 11:52 AM–12:42 PM, Rohina 12:42 PM–1:31 PM, and Aparahna Kaal 1:31 PM–4:00 PM.
• Recent guidance cites scriptures to state that women may perform Shradh and Tarpan in the absence of male heirs, referencing the Garud Purana and the Sita offering narrative.
• Core rites include Tarpan (water offering), Pind Daan (rice pinds for liberation), and Shradh (food offered to Brahmins), with customary portions later given to a cow, a crow, and a dog.
• Regional observances drew large turnouts, including Narayan Nagbali at Trimbakeshwar and Pitru Tarpan on the Narmada, while groups such as Shri Sankara Mattham and ISKCON led food distributions.