Pitru Paksha is 16 days from Bhadrapada Purnima to Sarvapitri Amavasya, when Hindus pay homage to their ancestor, especially through food offerings. The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya. It is also known as Pitru Amavasya, Peddala Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya, or simply Mahalaya. It is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha.
Every year, Pitru Paksha Mela is held in Gaya, Bihar. Gaya is one of the holiest places in the world and hence celebrating Pitru Paksha Mela is considered even more sacred if done here. The event happens mainly in September, ahead of Navaratri.
History of Pitru Paksha Mela:
The origin of Pitru Paksha Mela can be traced back to as old as the time of Buddha. It is said that he was the first one to offer Pinda Daan in Gaya. However, there are other legends too which have a deep connection with Pitru Paksha Mela.
As per the Hindu mythology, a demon or Asura, named Gaya, became so powerful that even devs started to feel intimidated by him. Perceiving him as a potential threat, they decided to kill him. The devs succeeded in destroying him but Gaya had one last wish, he wanted to be laid to rest in the holiest city on the planet. That city is now called Gaya. The Pitru Paksha Mela is held every year to celebrate rituals on these lines only.
Pitru Paksha 2020 Shradh Dates:
| Serial No. | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 1 | Purnima Shradh |
| 2 | September 2 | Pratipada Shradh |
| 3 | September 3 | Dwitiya Shradh |
| 4 | September 5 | Tritiya Shradh |
| 5 | September 6 | Chaturthi Shradh |
| 6 | September 7 | Panchami Shradh |
| 7 | September 8 | Sashti Shradh |
| 8 | September 9 | Saptami Shradh |
| 9 | September 10 | Ashtami Shradh |
| 10 | September 11 | Navami Shradh |
| 11 | September 12 | Dashami Shradh |
| 12 | September 13 | Ekadashi Shradh |
| 13 | September 14 | Dwadashi Shradh |
| 14 | September 15 | Trayodashi Shradh |
| 15 | September 16 | Chaturdashi Shradh |
| 16 | September 17 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shradh |
Significance of Pitru Paksha Puja:
As per Garuda Puran, it’s advised to perform the shradh rituals in the first year of the death of an individual because after departing he gets the food to eat after a gap of one complete year. It is believed when a person departs 13-days last rites are performed by its family members, and food is offered to him. After 13 days the soul starts its journey and reaches Yamlok in eleven(11) months and in the last one month(12th) he reaches to the court of yam. Then only he gets the food to eat. This is the reason performing shradh is very important.
