Pitru Paksha 2025: How to Perform Shradh If You Live Abroad

Pitru Paksha is a sacred fortnight dedicated to our ancestors. In 2025, Pitru Paksha will be observed from Sunday, September 7, 2025, to Sunday, September 21, 2025. These days are set aside for offering tarpan, pind daan, and shraddha to the departed souls of the family. It is believed that during this time, the souls of forefathers come close to earth to receive offerings. For those living abroad, away from family and traditional settings, the question often arises: how to perform shraddha in the right manner? The answer is simple. The rituals can be done wherever you are, with faith, devotion, and correct procedure. Let us understand step by step.

Importance of Shraddha in Pitru Paksha

Shraddha is not only a ritual. It is a duty towards ancestors. The scriptures say that human birth is tied by the debts of karma. Among these, the pitru rin (debt towards ancestors) is important. By performing shraddha, we express gratitude to our forefathers. We also pray for their peace in higher worlds. In return, they bless us with prosperity, health, and harmony in the family. Those who ignore shraddha are said to face obstacles in life, delay in marriage, health problems, and financial instability.

Can Shraddha Be Done Abroad?

Yes. Shraddha can be performed in any place where there is purity, sincerity, and faith. The Puranas and Dharma Shastras mention that shraddha done with full devotion reaches the ancestors, regardless of location. For people abroad, temples or holy rivers may not always be accessible. Still, the rituals can be done at home with simple arrangements. If possible, one may visit local temples or community centres where pandits organise shraddha ceremonies.

Preparations Before Performing Shraddha

The first step is to decide the correct

tithi

. Shraddha is usually performed on the lunar day on which the ancestor passed away. If the exact date is not known, then the

Amavasya tithi

—the last day of Pitru Paksha—is considered best. In 2025, the Mahalaya Amavasya will fall on September 21, 2025. Purity is very important before starting the ritual. One should take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, simple, traditional clothes. Men usually wear a dhoti or plain cotton attire, while women wear a clean saree or salwar in light colours. Food for shraddha must be prepared in a sattvic way. Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian items, and packaged food. Cook fresh dishes with simple ingredients like rice, dal, vegetables, puri, kheer, and seasonal fruits. The food should be clean and prepared with devotion. Arrange a proper seating place for the rituals. The seat should face east or south. Spread

kusha

grass if available, or use a clean cloth. The area should be quiet and pure, away from disturbance. Keep the necessary offerings ready before beginning. These usually include black sesame seeds, water, cooked rice balls (pind), flowers, incense, a ghee lamp, and, if possible, a photograph of the departed ancestor. Having these items ready ensures the ritual flows smoothly.

Step-by-Step Rituals of Shraddha Abroad

The ritual begins with Sankalp, which is a vow. Sit calmly, focus your mind, and take the resolution in the name of your ancestors. Mention your name, your gotra, and the purpose by saying: “I perform this shraddha for the peace of my ancestors.” The next step is Tarpan. Mix black sesame seeds in water and offer this water three times. While doing so, chant “Om Pitrubhyo Swadha.” If you do not know mantras, simply say, “I offer this water to my forefathers.” Pour the water slowly on the ground or into a clean bowl kept aside for this purpose. After tarpan comes Pind Daan. Prepare small rice balls by mixing cooked rice with black sesame and ghee. Place these on a banana leaf or a clean plate. Offer them while remembering your ancestors by name if possible. If the names are not known, offer them with the thought: “to all departed souls of my lineage.” Next is the offering of food. A portion of the cooked food is kept aside for the ancestors. Place tulsi leaves on top of the food and pray silently: “May my ancestors accept this offering and bless our family.” This food should later be offered to birds, cows, or animals around you. If birds or cows are not available, the food may be given to ants, stray animals, or placed under a tree. Feeding animals is considered equal to directly serving the ancestors. Traditionally, Brahman bhojan is an important part of shraddha. Food is served to Brahmins after the ritual. If you are abroad and Brahmins are not available, the same spirit can be fulfilled by feeding any needy person or by donating food items. What matters is the act of charity and the intention behind it.

Practical Guidance for People Abroad

In India, tarpan is performed near rivers, but abroad, it may not be possible. In such cases, you can perform a tarpan in a clean bowl and later pour the water at the roots of a tree or into the soil. If a pandit or priest is not available to guide the ritual, do not worry. Shraddha can be performed by oneself with sincerity. While mantras add strength, it is the devotion that truly carries the offering to the ancestors. For those living alone, shraddha can still be performed without difficulty. Even a single person offering water, sesame, rice, and prayer with remembrance is enough. If food cannot be cooked due to circumstances, fresh vegetarian offerings such as fruits, milk, or sweets can be used instead. They should be kept pure and untouched before being offered. If work commitments clash with the time of the ritual, it is best to perform it in the morning before leaving for duty. Even a simple tarpan with sesame seeds and water, done with concentration, is powerful and accepted by the ancestors.