The period of 16 days in the month of Bhadrapada starting from Purnima until Amavasya is called the Pitru Paksha. This period is highly regarded by Hindus to perform the Shradh ceremonies of ancestors. As stated in the Hindu scriptures, three generations of our ancestors stay in Pitru Lok who would suffer from hunger if Shradh is not performed regularly. Hence, it is the duty of every individual to relieve their ancestors by providing moksha.

Ashtami Shradh is performed for those family members who breathe their last on the tithi of Ashtami. One can also perform Shradh on this day despite the death of the person took place in the Krishna Paksha or the Shukla Paksha. In the cases where the family member was not able to carry on the annual Shradh rituals, it can be further matched by performing the Shradh in Pitru Paksh. It is said that the tarpan or Shradh performed during the Mahalaya Paksha will bestow peace and happiness to the descendants.

In the year 2019, the Ashtami Shradh falls on the 22nd September 2019.

Why should one perform Shradh in Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is one of the most awaited periods of Hindus as this is the time when they worship their ancestors by performing Shradh and offering Tarpan. Many Indian Hindu scriptures illustrate how important performing Shradh is. Right from the time of Ramayana and Mahabharata, we can see that these Shradh rituals are being followed to please the forefathers and get blessed by them.