Mahalaya Pitru Paksha 2021 dates:
As per Sanathana Dharma, The Mahalaya Paksha or Pitru Paksha is a 15–day lunar period that comes over the month of Bhadrapada masa. During this period, Hindus show respect to their ancestors by offering food and water (tarpanam). In 2021, Pitru Paksha will begin on 20th September and end on 6th October. As per beliefs, by performing Tarpanam during Pitru Paksha, one can help their forefathers and ancestors to get rid of the cycle of rebirth. Mahalaya Amavasya is the end of Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha and the beginning of Devi Navaratri Utsavam. According to the Hindu calendar, in 2021 the Pitru Paksha will start at after from the full moon day (Shukla Paksha) of Bhadrapada Masam and will end on the Mahalaya CAmavasya, the last day of the Bhadrapada Masam. check Mahalaya Pitru Paksha 2021 dates below.
Click here to book Pandit for Amavasya Tarpanam
Click here to Book Pandit for Shraadham
The legend Story about Pitru Paksha:
According to the Mahabharatham, Karna died on the 17th day of the Mahabharatham war and went to heaven. Instead of food, he was offered jewels, gems, and diamonds. He got angry and went to Lord Indra to know the reason behind this. Lord Indra explained to him that he donated jewels, gems, and diamonds in charity and never offered food to his ancestors all his life. On hearing this, Karna felt bad and wanted to correct his mistake.
Lord Indra granted a 15-day period to Karna to visit the earth and offer tarpanam/shraddha to his ancestors. After coming back to earth, he offered water and food to his dead ancestors. From that day onwards, that period is known as Pitru Paksha.
As per Bhagavd Geetha and Sanathana Dharma, the concept of life after death is true and it is strongly believed by Hindu followers. They perform shraddha every year for their dead ancestors. Tarpanam/Shraddha and Pinda Danam are organized every year for the departed souls of ancestors.
Click here for Katakopanishad in Telugu to chant at the time of Shaardham
Pitru Paksha 2021 start and end dates:
| Date | Shradha | Tithi, Nakshatram | |
| September 21 | Pratipada Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Pratipada | |
| September 22 | Dwitiya Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Dwitiya | |
| September 23 | Tritiya Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Tritiya | |
| September 24 | Chaturthi Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna chaturthi | |
| September 25 | Panchami Shradha | Ashwini,Bharani Nakshatram | |
| September 26 | Sashti Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Shashthi | |
| September 28 | Saptami Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Saptami | |
| September 29 | Ashtami Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Ashtami | |
| September 30 | Navami Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Navami | |
| October 1 | Dashami Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Dashami | |
| October 2 | Ekadashi Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Ekadashi | |
| October 3 | Dwadashi Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Dwadashi | |
| October 4 | Trayodashi Shradha | Magha Nakshatram | |
| October 5 | Chaturdashi Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna chaturdashi | |
| October 6 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shradha | Ashwini,Krishna Amavasya |