Whichever religion you follow, you must come to know that the “dead must rest in peace.” In other religions, all ceremonies are completed at the time of death, but in Hinduism, where the decisions are based on the lunar cycle, the rituals continue up to three years after death.
Pratipada Shraddha is one of those rituals where we pay homage to our deceased ancestors and pray for their well-being afterlife.
Pratipada is a Sanskrit word where Prati means First, and Pada means Step.
But whose steps are we counting? It’s of the Moon!
When the Sun, the Moon and the Earth come together at a 0° angle, it causes the new moon (Amavasya). The next day, the moon shifts at most minuscule 12° from its actual place, which signifies it has taken its first step, and we call it Shukla paksha Pratipada.
After 15 days, the moon completes the half circle and the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth all come together at a 180° angle, it causes a full moon (Purnima). The next day, the moon shifts at most minuscule 12° from its actual place. It signifies the completion of the first step, and we call in Krishna paksha Pratipada.
It happens every fifteen days, but in the month of Bhadrapada, many astrological elements come together and increase their significance. That’s why Pratipada Shraddha is very important this month and is celebrated across the country.
Date & Tithi
Pratipada Shraddha on Saturday, September 10, 2022
To know the tithi, click here.
Pratipada Shraddha significance
Both Shukla and Krishna Paksha Pratipada are suitable to perform Shraddha for maternal grandparents. It appeases their soul and helps them to rest afterlife. You can still do the shraddha even if their death anniversary doesn’t lie in the same month. It is culturally vital to perform the ritual on these dates as it’s believed to benefit the family with happiness and bring prosperity and growth.
Padwa Shraddha and Pratipada Shraddha are the same!
Everything is based on a Muhurat in Hinduism; it’s a decision based on the lunar cycle and various other astrological calculations. It provides certain benefits, so gurus recommend performing the shraddha in a suitable Muhurat.
You must perform Pitru Paksha Shraddhas in Kuntup Muhurat or Rohina Muhurat. Tarpan is done at the end of the Shraddha. Always check with the priest for detailed descriptions and times for the best Muhurat.
Pratipada Shraddha rituals
Every ritual delivers specific benefits only if it’s done the right way. It’s the same with Pratipada Shraddha. Here is what you need to do to attain the maximum benefit.
- Only the eldest member of the family must perform all the rituals. The process involves offering tarpan to the deceased member of the family. It’s considered the most effective way of paying homage and provides the maximum benefit.
- Once you complete the procedure for Tarpan, the next step is to perform a pind-dann. It includes preparing eatables you must offer to the cow or immersing in a river. The kind of eatables depends on which country you belong to, check local people for the best answer.
- As mentioned, please conduct the rituals under specific Muhurat so that you can have the prasad in ‘Aparahna’ or afternoon.
- Once you complete all rituals, offer food to brahmins, then animals and later eat together with all family members. Make sure you follow it in the right sequence, as it’s very important.
- Do some charity in the memory of deceased family members. Most people visit Gaushalas to donate cash, but it’s not compulsory. You can donate in your locality; make sure it reaches the person who needs it the most.
- Some people keep a fast on the day of Pratipada Shraddha. Most shave their hair during this time, but it depends on you. You must strictly prohibit consuming meat, alcohol and other culturally unacceptable things.
Pratipada Shraddha is celebrated across the country, but the rituals aren’t the same everywhere. If you are in specific places like Banaras, you will observe a more stringent process with many other steps while people at home do it the simplest way possible.
You can follow the abovementioned steps at home. Still, if you are looking for a more elaborated process with other rituals, you must discuss it with the priest of older people in your family who has completed a similar process.
Things you shouldn’t do on Pratipada Tithi
Pratipada is best known for paying homage to the deceased, but at the same time, you must refrain from starting something new. Pratipada and all fifteen tithi’s provide different benefits and certain restrictions. Here are some things that you should not do on Partipada Tithi.
- Travelling, shifting to a new home, and visiting others should be prohibited on this day.
- Refrain from starting something new like constructing a new home, marriage, etc.
- Collectively, don’t start or participate in any auspicious event on this date.
We learned about two Pratipadas, Shukla and Krishna. Shukla Pratipada is considered the best to remember the dead and pay homage to their well-being in the afterlife. In contrast, Krishna Pratipada is good for starting something new or participating in any auspicious event.
You can know the right Pratipada by looking at the dates of the new moon or Full moon. If you are still confused, look at the sky at night.
Conclusion
In 2022, we will celebrate the Shukla Pratipada on Saturday, the 10th of September. If you follow Hinduism, the eldest male member of your family must perform all the rituals with the directions specified in the article.
If you have never performed these rituals in the past, we highly recommend you check with a local priest or the eldest member who has been doing these rituals for quite some time. Paying homage is important, but doing it right at the right time matters the most.
The process and rituals for Shukla Pratipada are the same throughout the country but preparing the type of food, ways to worship; offerings will differ from place to place.
Be sure then perform it the right way. You can always ask questions in the comments; may your ancestors rest in peace.
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