The fourteenth day of Mahalaya Pitru Paksha is known by many names. ‘Ghata Chaturdashi’, ‘Tarpan Chaturdashi’, ‘Vishashastra Hataadinaam Chaturdashi’ and so on. Shradh is especially performed on this day to those, who may have suffered unnatural death like accidents, fire incidents, insect bites, animal bites or during combats of any kind.
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors or departed souls. It usually falls in the waning fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to September-October. Ghata Chaturdashi that occurs on the fourteenth day of Mahalaya Paksha Shradh period is when, Shradh and tarpan are offered to those departed in the family, who may have died through unnatural causes.
Significance of Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh
Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh rituals are deeply ingrained in Hindu culture and tradition. These rituals are performed to those who departed on the day of Chaturdashi. Also, remembered on this day are those who may have lost their life due to unnatural causes like accidents, animal bites, snake bites, fall, fire, floods drowning and even suicide. This special day is the auspicious time to offer tributes for people who may have died in war, war-like situations. These practices help maintain a strong sense of familial and ancestral ties across generations.
Ghata Chaturdashi 2024 Date
Ghata Chaturdashi occurs on 1st October, 2024.
Importance of Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh
Ancestral Reverence:
It is a way to express gratitude and show reverence to the ancestors who have passed away on the day Chaturdashi. Hindus believe that performing these rituals can help their departed family members attain peace and progress in the afterlife.
Karma and Liberation:
Sanatan Dharma believe in the concept of karma and reincarnation. Observing Pitru Paksha rituals, including Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh, is believed to help break the cycle of rebirth and aid the ancestors in their journey toward liberation (moksha).
Culture and Tradition:
Overall, Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh is a time when Hindus come together to remember their ancestors, seek blessings for their families, and reflect on the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It’s a solemn occasion that carries deep spiritual significance in Hindu belief.
Observance and Rituals
On Ghata Chaturdashi Shradh, people perform rituals to pay homage to their ancestors and seek blessings from them.
Nadi or Samudra Snana
It is customary to take a ritual bath either in a river or in sea, before performing the Shradh ceremonies. This bath is believed to purify the body and soul.
Tarpana (Offerings)
People make offerings of water, sesame seeds, barley, and rice to their departed ancestors. This ritual is known as Tarpana, and it involves pouring water into the palms while reciting prayers and then letting the water flow onto the ground as an offering to the ancestors.
Pinda Daan
Pinda Daan is a significant ritual during Pitru Paksha, where, rice ball is offered to the departed soul. It is believed that this ritual helps nourish and provide comfort to the ancestors in the afterlife.
Daan (Charity)
Giving to the needy or performing acts of charity on this day is also considered favourable. It is believed that performing charitable acts like, giving away Vastram (Clothes), Dakshina (Money), Dhaanya (Grocery items like uncooked rice, pulses or other grains) in the name of the ancestors helps elevate their souls.
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Visiting Holy Places
Many people visit temples or sacred riverbanks to perform these rituals, seeking the blessings of the deities and the holy water.
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