Pitru Paksha is a period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to recalling and honouring ancestors. On such days family rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan are performed to be grateful and to pay homage to departed family members.
A common question is why Shraddha is mostly performed in the afternoon when many other Hindu prayers and deity-related rituals are traditionally done in the morning.
Why is Shraddha performed in the afternoon?
According to Hinduism, daily rituals are different. Morning is very much associated with worship of gods, prayers and meditation.
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At the same time, the afternoon is said to be the most important time for rituals for ancestors. As such, Shraddha ceremonies are often held in the afternoon rather than early morning.
The practice is linked with periods known as Kutup Muhurat and Rauhina Muhurat, which are traditionally considered good for ancestral rituals.
What is Kutup Muhurat?
Kutup Muhurat is traditionally one of the important periods during the afternoon for performing Shraddha. Many families try to begin the main ancestral rituals during this period when it is available according to their local Panchang.
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The exact timing of Kutup Muhurat is not the same every day or in every place. It depends on sunrise, sunset and the relevant lunar day or Tithi.
What is Rauhina Muhurat?
Rauhina Muhurat is closely associated with Kutup Muhurat and is also associated with Shraddha-related activities. These periods help determine the right time to do ancestral ceremonies during Pitru Paksha.
Because Hindu calendars are based on location-based astronomical calculations, the exact Muhurat can differ between cities.
Why the Local Panchang Matters
Shraddha Muhurat is not a single fixed clock time that applies across India. The date of the ritual, Tithi, sunrise and local geographical location can affect the appropriate timing.
So families observing Pitru Paksha should check their local Panchang before starting Shraddha. A family priest or knowledgeable religious scholar can also help determine the appropriate Muhurat according to the family’s tradition.
Spiritual Meaning of Shraddha
Shraddha means more than the date of the ceremony. It is more generally a gratitude and a remembrance of ancestors.
Families can offer water, food, Pind and other prescribed items as part of the ritual. Many also give charity, feeding people or donating food and other necessities during Pitru Paksha.
Faith, Tradition and Ancestral Blessings
Hindu traditions teach that performing Shraddha and Tarpan with such reverence can help to honour our ancestors and seek their blessings. Some ancestral blessings are associated with family peace, economic prosperity, and well-being.
These are matters of religious belief, not scientifically proven effects, and beliefs do differ by community and region.
Pitru Paksha 2026: Check the Correct Muhurat
The afternoon timing of Shraddha is based on ancient Hindu ritual practice and the importance of Muhurats. Given that the exact time can change depending on location and Tithi, families should not just rely on the generic time found online.
For Pitru Paksha 2026, checking the local Panchang can help families follow the appropriate Shraddha Muhurat according to their regional and family traditions.
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