Shradh in 2021 - Pitru Paksha Shraddha

In 2021, Shraddh are starting from September 20 and ending on October 6. Pitru Paksha, in this year, is an important period of remembering our ancestors and acknowledging them through Tarpan. Please have a look on this article to gain more knowledge about Shraddh 2021.

Shraddh is one way for people to pay homage to their ancestors and show thankfulness to them. People pay honor to their ancestors for whatever good they have done for them. Shraddh comes every year, on which people perform Tarpan rituals for their forefathers. This 16 days timeperiod are dedicated to Shraddh and have great importance.

Pitru Paksha 2021 Dates

Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddh in Pitru Paksha is the last day of Shraddh and also, when a person can do Shraddh of anyone.

Significance of Shraddh in 2021

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that our predecessors give protection to us from evil and mishappenings. Their blessings are always with us and help in overcoming the difficulties of life. They are watching us and wants us remember them and always be thankful to them for the good they have done to us. Performing Tarpan rituals is a way to please our forefathers and do something for them from our side. They still want our love and respect. Another significance is to overcome the effects of unnatural death. Rituals of Tarpan help people to eliminate the chances of unnatural death and getting the peace for the soul. One more significance is to bring peace to the souls of our ancestors who are still not at rest. It may be due to the wrongdoings they have done in their life. The restlessness of ancestors affects their present generation also. Through Tarpan, it help people to pay for the misdeeds of ancestors and help them rest in peace. Tarpan rituals are also helpful in reducing the effects of Kaal Sarp Dosh, if anyone have it.

Legend Behind Shraddh or Pitru Paksha

Before engaging yourself in Shraddh 2021, let us have a look on the legend behind it.

The legend came from the Karna of Mahabharata. When he died and reaches to heaven, he was not served with real food and only gold and silver was served to him as food. On asking the reason, he was told that on earth he only donated gold and silver to needy people and no real food. Also, he had never donated real food in the name of his ancestors. He requested Lord Indra to give him a chance to rectify his mistake. He was sent back to earth for 15 days, where he donated lots of food to the needy and does Tarpan rituals for his ancestors.

Shraadh rituals performed during Pitru Paksha and those special 16 days of shraddh are very beneficial and important. Before going to perform it for Shraddh 2021, let us have a look on them:

• Pure vegetarian food, specially the favorite food of the person for whom shraddh rituals is being performed, is prepared. This food is then served to Brahmins or Pandits.
• For the peace of the soul of forefathers, prayers are done by the people.
• Various food items like fruits, sweets and cereals along with kheer is cooked, as per the family beliefs.
• Cows ,crows and dogs are served with this food on the banana leaves.
• To make this ritual more worthy, food is also being served to needy and old people

What to Avoid during Shraddh Rituals?

While performing Tarpan rituals some important things should be kept in mind, such as:

• Alcohol consumption should be avoided
• Non-vegetarian food should be avoided
• Avoid performing rituals in dusk or dawn
• No haircut or shaving
• Avoid iron vessels to prepare or serve the food

Shraddh 2021 are about to start. So, prepare yourself to perform the rituals of Tarpan in 2021 without any mistakes and pay honor and respect to your forefathers.

Know more festivals of 2021