Quick Reference Card
| Date | September 30, 2026 (Ashwin 13, BS 2083) |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Observance | Ancestral ritual |
| Celebrated in | Throughout Hindu regions |
| Observing Communities | Hindu families during Pitru Paksha |
| Type of Event | Religious/Ancestral |
| Purpose of Event | To honor ancestors who died on Chaturthi tithi (fourth lunar day) and provide spiritual sustenance to their departed souls. |
| Holiday Status | Religious observance |
| First Observed in | Vedic period (ancient tradition) |
Quick Fact: Chaturthi Shraddha is performed during Pitru Paksha for ancestors who died on Chaturthi tithi, the fourth lunar day. This ritual marks the continuation of ancestral remembrance practices that have been central to Hindu culture for thousands of years, documented in ancient Vedic texts.
Chaturthi Shraddha is a sacred Hindu ancestral ritual performed on the fourth day of Pitru Paksha. It is dedicated to honoring ancestors who passed away on Chaturthi tithi (the fourth lunar day), reflecting the Hindu tradition of performing day-specific rites to ensure that every departed soul receives appropriate spiritual care and family remembrance during this sacred fortnight.
History and Background
Chaturthi Shraddha is performed during Pitru Paksha for ancestors who died on Chaturthi tithi (the fourth lunar day). This ritual marks the continuation of ancestral remembrance practices that have been central to Hindu culture for thousands of years. The practice is documented in ancient Vedic texts and philosophical works, establishing it as a foundational element of Hindu family duty and spiritual responsibility. The tradition demonstrates the Hindu belief system's emphasis on proper rituals for ancestral peace and family continuity across generations.
Purpose of Chaturthi Shraddha
This ritual is performed to:
Honor ancestors who were deceased on Chaturthi tithi.
Provide spiritual sustenance to the departed ancestral souls.
Fulfill ancestral duty and family obligation toward the departed.
Seek ancestral blessing and guidance for the family's well-being.
How is Chaturthi Shraddha Observed?
The observance follows traditional Vedic practices:
Sacred bathing is performed in the early morning hours as a purification rite.
Ritual food items are prepared with devotion and offered to the ancestors.
Brahmin feeding ceremonies are conducted as representatives of the ancestors.
Water libations with sacred mantras (tarpan) are offered.
Family members participate in collective remembrance gatherings.
Importance of Chaturthi Shraddha
This ancestral rite holds considerable significance:
It strengthens spiritual bonds between living family members and ancestral generations.
It is believed to ensure prosperity and well-being for the family.
It fulfills Hindu dharma toward departed relatives.
It creates a meaningful opportunity for family unity and collective reflection.
It maintains ancestral memory and ensures continuity of the family lineage.
Conclusion
Chaturthi Shraddha is a profound act of filial devotion and spiritual responsibility. By performing this ritual during Pitru Paksha, Hindu families honor ancestors who departed on Chaturthi tithi, upholding a Vedic tradition that binds generations together through faith, duty, and the enduring power of ancestral love.