96 Days Shraddha Puja Ceremony: Complete Guide with Pitru Paksha & Other Ritual Days
Know 96 days Shraddha ceremony including Pitru Paksha, Amavasya, Sankranti & more. Perform Shraddha Puja with expert Pandits online. Shraddha is one of the most sacred Hindu rituals, performed to honor and offer respect to our ancestors (Pitru). According to Vedic scriptures, performing Shraddha brings blessings from forefathers, removes Pitru Dosha, and ensures harmony, prosperity, and spiritual growth for the family.
Many people believe Shraddha can only be performed during Pitru Paksha, but the truth is that the scriptures prescribe about 96 auspicious days throughout the year for this important ritual. In this guide, we will explain all the 96 Shraddha days, additional occasions for Shraddha, their significance, and the best way to perform them.
96 Auspicious Days for Shraddha Ceremony
1. Amavasya Days (12)
Amavasya or New Moon Day is one of the most sacred times to perform Shraddha. There are 12 Amavasya days in a year, and each is suitable for honoring ancestors.
2. Sankranti or Sankramana Days (24)
When the Sun transitions from one zodiac sign to another, it is called Sankranti. Since there are 12 zodiac signs, we get 12 transitions, and each entry and exit point is considered auspicious – giving 24 days in total for Shraddha.
3. Pitru Paksha (15 Days)
Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha, is the most well-known period for Shraddha. It lasts for 15 days, during which rituals are dedicated to ancestors for their peace and liberation (moksha).
4. Vaidhriti Yoga (12 Days)
There are 12 Vaidhriti Yogas in a year. Scriptures mention these days as especially sacred for Shraddha as the cosmic alignment is believed to connect ancestors with their descendants.
5. Vyatipata Yoga (12 Days)
12 Vyatipata Yogas are considered powerful for performing rituals. These alignments are rare and auspicious, making Shraddha on such days very fruitful.
6. Manvadi Tithis (14 Days)
Known as Manvantaras, there are 14 days marking the beginning of each Manvantara cycle. Shraddha performed on these days carries deep spiritual value.
7. Purvedyu, Ashtaka, and Anvashtaka Days (15 Days)
Special tithis called Ashtaka and Anvashtaka, along with Purvedyu, are also considered highly suitable for Shraddha rituals.
8. Yugadi Days (4 Days)
There are 4 Yugadi days – beginning days of Krita, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali Yugas. These cosmic transition days are highly auspicious for ancestor worship.
96 Days Shraddha Ceremony
| Category of Days | Number of Days | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amavasya Days | 12 | New Moon days occurring once every month. |
| Sankranti or Sankramana Days | 24 | When the Sun enters a new zodiac sign (12 zodiac signs × 2). |
| Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya) | 15 | Special fortnight dedicated to ancestors. |
| Vaidhriti Yoga Days | 12 | Auspicious yoga days recommended for Shraddha. |
| Vyatipata Yoga Days | 12 | Sacred days with strong cosmic significance. |
| Manvadi Tithis (Manvantaras) | 14 | Tithis marking the beginning of new Manvantaras. |
| Purvedyu, Ashtaka & Anvashtaka | 15 | Special scriptural days recommended for rituals. |
| Yugadi Days (Krita, Treta, Dwapar, Kali) | 4 | 4 Yugas’ beginning days, marking cosmic cycles. |
| Total Auspicious Shraddha Days | 96 |
Additional Auspicious Days for Shraddha
| Special Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|
| 7 Kalpadi Tithis | Beginning of a Kalpa, considered auspicious. |
| Bhishma Ashtami | Honoring Bhishma Pitamaha. |
| Varshika Shraddha | Annual Shraddha on ancestor’s Tithi. |
| Auspicious Personal Days | Such as son’s birth anniversary or family celebrations. |
| When Materials are Available | Scriptures allow Shraddha when resources are present. |
| Arrival of a Suitable Brahmin | If a learned Brahmin visits, Shraddha can be performed. |
| Sampat Day | Special day for rituals. |
| Gajachchhaya Yoga | Very powerful for Shraddha rituals. |
| Surya Grahan & Chandra Grahan | Solar and Lunar eclipses, considered extremely auspicious. |
| Strong Desire | Shraddha can be performed whenever there is sincere devotion and intent. |
Book a Pandit for Shraddha Puja
Shraddha rituals require proper mantra chanting, offerings, and guidance from a qualified Pandit. Performing it without proper vidhi may reduce its spiritual effect.
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FAQs on Shraddha Ceremony
Q1. What are the 96 days for Shraddha Puja?
The 96 days for Shraddha Puja include 12 Amavasya days, 24 Sankranti days, 15 Pitru Paksha days, 12 Vaidhriti Yogas, 12 Vyatipata Yogas, 14 Manvadi Tithis, 15 Purvedyu/Ashtaka/Anvashtaka days, and 4 Yugadi days.
Q2. Which is the most important time to perform Shraddha?
The most important time to perform Shraddha is during Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya Paksha). However, Amavasya, Sankranti, and special Yogas are also highly auspicious.
Q3. Can Shraddha be performed on Amavasya if Pitru Paksha is missed?
Yes. If Pitru Paksha is missed, Amavasya Shraddha is the best alternative as it is considered sacred for honoring ancestors.
Q4. Is Shraddha during Grahan (eclipse) auspicious?
Yes. Performing Shraddha during Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) or Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) is considered highly powerful and spiritually rewarding.
Q5. Can Shraddha be performed at home?
Yes, Shraddha can be performed at home with proper vidhi, offerings, and guidance from a qualified Pandit. Online Pandit booking makes it convenient to perform Shraddha rituals at home.
Q6. Do I need to invite Brahmins for Shraddha?
Yes, scriptures recommend inviting Brahmins or Pandits for Shraddha Puja as they perform Vedic mantras, tarpan, and rituals correctly, ensuring blessings of ancestors.
Q7. What is the benefit of performing Shraddha Puja?
Performing Shraddha Puja ensures peace for ancestors’ souls, removes Pitru Dosha, and brings blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity for the family.
Q8. What should be offered in Shraddha Puja?
Offerings in Shraddha Puja include water, black sesame seeds, cooked rice, milk, ghee, fruits, and seasonal food items, along with tarpan for ancestors.
