Overview

• Pitru Paksha runs Sept. 7–21 with daily Shraddha tithis and muhurats published by Drik Panchang, starting with Purnima Shraddha and ending on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
• This year features a lunar eclipse on the opening day and a solar eclipse on the closing day, a pairing widely described as spiritually potent for rites.
• Core observances include Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan, often led by the eldest son with offerings of simple vegetarian food and water mixed with sesame seeds.
• Customs encourage a satvik diet and restraint from non‑vegetarian food, onion, garlic and alcohol, with many also deferring new ventures, haircuts and nail trimming during the fortnight.
• Pilgrimage and regional rites draw devotees to sites such as Gaya and Prayagraj, while real‑estate agents report a temporary dip in property transactions until Navratri.