Purnima Shradha 2024: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance

Overview

Purnima Shradha, also known as Mahalaya, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to honoring departed ancestors and seeking their blessings. It marks the beginning of the Devi Paksha, a 16-day period leading up to Durga Puja, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.

In 2024, Purnima Shradha will be observed on September 24th, Tuesday.

Date and Time

Purnima Shradha will begin on September 24th, 2024, at 11:34 AM and end on September 25th, 2024, at 7:33 AM (IST).

Significance

Purnima Shradha holds great importance in Hindu culture. It is believed that during this time, the gates of heaven are opened, allowing departed ancestors to visit their living family members. By performing rituals and offerings, devotees pay homage to their ancestors and seek their blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Rituals

The rituals of Purnima Shradha include:

• Tarpan: Offering water to departed ancestors, performed at holy rivers or water bodies.
• Pind Daan: Offering balls of cooked rice and sesame seeds to the ancestors, symbolizing their nourishment.
• Pitru Puja: Worshiping the ancestors with flowers, incense, and food offerings.
• Brahmin Bhoj: Feeding Brahmin priests to honor the ancestors.
• Pitra Visarjan: Concluding the rituals by releasing lighted lamps into water bodies, symbolizing the departure of ancestors.