Sixteen-day Shraddha begins tomorrow, Asoj 11

Pitripaksha, or Sixteen-day Shraddha (Solah Shraddha), begins on Sunday, Asoj 11, with Pratipada Shraddha. According to the published schedule of tithis, the festival will conclude on Saturday, Asoj 24.

The Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Ashwin, or Asoj, is called Pitripaksha, referred to in scriptures as Parvan or Mahalaya Shraddha. As per tradition, Shraddha is performed based on the tithi of one's father among the ancestors.

Pinda offerings are given to ancestors of three generations each from the father's and mother's lineages, though some families offer pinda to all ancestors.

According to the schedule, Dwitiya Shraddha falls on Monday, Asoj 12; Tritiya on Tuesday, Asoj 13; and Chaturthi on Wednesday, Asoj 14. This year, Panchami and Shashthi Shraddha fall on the same day, Thursday, Asoj 15. Saptami Shraddha will be observed on Friday, Asoj 16, and Ashtami Shraddha on Saturday, Asoj 17.

Navami Shraddha, also known as Matri Navami, falls on Sunday, Asoj 18. Dashami Shraddha is set for Monday, Asoj 19, and Ekadashi Shraddha for Tuesday, Asoj 20. Dwadashi Shraddha coincides with Magha Shraddha on Wednesday, Asoj 21. Trayodashi Shraddha will be observed on Thursday, Asoj 22, and Chaturdashi Shraddha on Friday, Asoj 23.