Pitru Paksha 2025

 

Pitru Paksha 2025

Pitru Paksha, also called Shraadh, is a sacred 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering ancestors. During this time, the eldest son of the family traditionally performs Tarpan or Shraadh rituals, offering food and water to departed souls as a mark of respect and gratitude.

Pitru Paksha begins on Bhadrapada Purnima and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya (also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya).

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Significance of Pitru Paksha

In Hindu tradition, performing Shraadh during Pitru Paksha is considered a sacred duty of the son towards his forefathers. It is believed that these rituals not only keep the ancestors content but also help repay the Pitru Rin (ancestral debt). In return, the ancestors bless their descendants with good health, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, and spiritual growth.

Many Hindus also believe that without the blessings of their ancestors, no task can be truly successful.

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The Legend Behind Pitru Paksha

According to the Mahabharata, when the noble warrior Karna died and reached heaven, he was offered gold and jewels instead of food. Confused, he asked Lord Indra the reason. Indra reminded him that while Karna had donated wealth and riches throughout his life, he never offered food and water to his ancestors during Shraadh.

To make amends, Karna was granted permission to return to Earth for 15 days—the period now known as Pitru Paksha—to donate food and water in memory of his forefathers.

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When to Perform Pitru Paksha Tarpan?

Pitru Paksha rituals follow specific traditions, with certain days dedicated to particular types of departed souls:

• Chautha Bharani & Bharani Panchami (4th & 5th day): For those who passed away in the previous year.

• 9th day: For women who died before their husbands.

• 12th day: For children and ascetics.

• 14th day (Ghayala Chaturdashi): For those who suffered a violent death.

• Sarva Pitru Amavasya (last day): For those unsure of their ancestor’s death date or wishing to honor multiple souls together.

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Pitru Paksha and Gaya

Among all pilgrimage sites, Gaya in Bihar holds the highest significance for Pitru Paksha rituals. It is believed that Lord Rama performed Shraadh for his father King Dasharatha on the banks of the holy Falgu River in Gaya.

The Vishnupada Temple in Gaya, marked by Lord Vishnu’s footprint, is a sacred place where devotees pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

Today, if one cannot personally perform the rituals, it is possible to request a pandit to do it on their behalf—even through online Shraadh services.

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✨ Pitru Paksha 2025 is not just a ritual but a time to express gratitude, remember our roots, and seek blessings from those who came before us.

Online Pooja

• Sawan Somwar 2025
• Pind Daan in varanasi
• Pitru Paksha 2025
• Mangla Arti
• Rudrabhishek in Kashi Vishwanath
• Dev Diwali 2025

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Pind Daan and Shradha Package

 

"भाद्रपद मास की अमावस्या को महालया अमावस्या कहा जाता है। इस पूरे पक्ष को पितृपक्ष कहा जाता है, जब दिवंगत पूर्वजों के प्रति कृतज्ञता व्यक्त की जाती है और श्राद्ध आदि कर्म किए जाते हैं। इसे सर्वपितृ अमावस्या भी कहते हैं।"

According to Hindu beliefs, Pind Daan is a sacred ritual performed to express gratitude to one’s ancestors. It is believed that no endeavor succeeds without the blessings of forefathers, and offering Pind Daan invokes their blessings for prosperity and peace.

Performing this ritual as described in ancient texts helps the departed souls attain Moksha (salvation) and brings peace to the family.

What is Pind Daan?

Hindus believe that even after death, the soul lingers in the material world due to emotional bonds and attachments. This creates suffering for the soul. Through Pind Daan, these souls find release and peace, allowing them to move toward the ultimate world of liberation. This ritual is considered a sacred duty for every devout Hindu.

Where is Pind Daan performed?

It can be performed on the banks of the holy Ganges or other sacred places in India. Gaya in Bihar is one of the most popular locations.

Benefits of Pind Daan

Performing Pind Daan is said to remove obstacles in life and bring sudden positive changes. Many have observed improvements in their personal and spiritual lives after performing this ritual.

Why is Pind Daan important?

As per the Vedas, no work can reach its full potential without the blessings of ancestors. Pind Daan is the most effective way to help restless souls attain peace, which in turn blesses the entire family.

How does Pind Daan benefit me?

Along with removing obstacles, this ritual fulfills the three main debts (Rin) in life:

1. Pitra Rin (debt to ancestors)
2. Dev Rin (debt to deities)
3. Rishi Rin (debt to sages)

Pitra Rin involves:

1. Antyeshti Sanskar (funeral rites)
2. Asthi Visarjan (immersing ashes in the Ganges)
3. Shraddh (memorial feast)
4. Brahmin Bhoj (offering food to priests)

Dev Rin includes:

1. Vedic rituals
2. Rudrabhishek
3. Yagya (holy offerings)

Rishi Rin includes:

1. Seva and Satkar (service and respect)
2. Daan (charity)

While Dev Rin and Rishi Rin can be fulfilled in daily life, Pitra Rin is fulfilled through Pind Daan, which grants peace and prosperity to the entire family.

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Dev Deepawali in Kashi

 

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi: A Celestial Manifestation in the City of Light

Dev Deepawali or Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, fifteen days after Diwali. Dev Deepawali is not standalone, in itself. It is celebrated on the last day of Ganga Mahotsav, which begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi (11th day of the Lunar month of Kartik) and ends in Dev Deepawali which will fall on November 15 this year. It is interesting to note that Dev Deepawali in Varanasi also coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti and Jain Light Festival.

Dev Deepawali Date 2025
November 05, 2025

Not to be confused with Deepawali (or Diwali), Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali in Varanasi is a festival celebrated every year on the occasion of Kartik Poornima. This happens to be 15 days after Diwali. This year, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi will be on November 05, 2025.

For most travellers and spiritual seekers alike, Varanasi is a dream destination. People from all over the world come and stay in this city for days, seeking spiritual peace, meditating on the banks of the Holy River Ganga and paying several visits to the temples in what is popularly known as the city of temples. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi or Dev Diwali is that time of the year when Varanasi truly seems like an abode of the Gods, not just of temples. Often known as the City of Light, Dev Deepawali is probably a manifestation of this very epithet.

 

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi Celebrations

The traditional plan of events for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is quite elaborate and is followed religiously every year. The ceremony starts with the offering of prayers (Ganesh Vandana) and flowers to Lord Ganesh. This is followed by the offering of lit earthen lamps or diyas, known as deepdaan, by 21 Brahmins and 41 young girls with the chanting of Vedic mantras in the background. A lot of devotees take a dip in the river Ganges on this auspicious day, known as Kartik Snan. This ritual is believed to rid a person of his/her sins. Many households also organize Akhand Ramayan (chanting of the holy scripture, Ramayana) followed by Bhoj where food is offered to people.

Apart from having a religious tinge to it, martyrs are also remembered at the ghats. This is done by praying to Ganga Mata and by offering an aarti to her. This is organized by Ganga Seva Nidhi when wreaths are placed at Amar Jawan Jyoti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and also at the adjoining Rajendra Prasad Ghat by police officials, and also the members of the three armed forces. To mark this event, patriotic songs are also sung.

Ghats Are Lit Up With Diyas

Dev Deepawali is a spectacle worth beholding in Varanasi. Every ghat and temple in the Holy City is alight with earthen ghee diyas. Whether the stars have found their way down to the Earth or not, one can hardly say. It is believed that the Gods descend to Varanasi on this auspicious occasion to take a dip in the River Ganga. This is what makes this festival so popular. Tourists from all over the country flock to Varanasi during this auspicious festival. On the night of the main festival, thousands of people, locals and tourists alike, come to watch the spectacular and elaborate aarti at the river ghats. With thousands of diyas lit all over the place. The view is rather enchanting and magical, despite a large number of people.

The Ganga Aarti: The Culmination of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

 

If you thought Benares was the champion of Ganga Aarti, wait till you attend the Ganga Aarti on Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. The ghats are seen to be teeming with people from all over the country and the world, but the crowded Dashashwamedh Ghat is in no way devoid of excitement or enthusiasm. The Ganga Aarti you will see on the evening of Dev Deepawali is the most elaborate Ganga Aarti that is performed during the whole year.

You will soon grow tired of counting or imagining the sheer number of earthen lamps on the ghats and will be taken aback by the exquisite beauty of this particular evening in Banaras. The evening aarti at Assi Ghat is the next hotspot for visitors to flock. Reeva Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Panch Ganga Ghat should also be visited on the evening of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi.

The Ganga Mahotsav

A Cultural Panorama and Food Paradise

Cultural Festivals on the occasion of Ganga Mahotsav (Source)

Ganga Mahotsav, as stated earlier, begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi and goes on for five days. Life and culture in and around Varanasi is believed to be blessed by the holy River Ganga. Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated as a token of thankfulness of the people towards the bountiful river. Ganga Mahotsav is typically held at the Dashashwamedh Ghat but has recently been shifted to the Ravidas Ghat. Varanasi comes alive with music, dance and theatre these few days with maestros like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Chhanulal Mishra, Birju Maharaj, Anuradha Paudwal and several others. Gracing the stage with their presence. Each year, throughout the five days of the festival, the who's who of dance, drama and music embellish the aura of the festival with their presence. It's the time to be in Varanasi to soak in the culture of the city.

The Ganga Mahotsav is the best way to savour the delicacies of Banaras at a single place. A mini-fair brimming with the sheer spread of Banarasi chaats, Bati Chokha, Mughlai cuisine and continental treats that Banaras has to offer in one shot. Could we ask for anymore?

Plan Your Travel to Varanasi for Dev Deepawali:

The reservations in Varanasi are made months before Dev Deepawali. However, if you're planning a trip,  the best option would be to get to your bookings right away. As with most holiday destinations, the place may be packed, but you will love every bit of the experience. On the evening of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, get on a boat and savour the beauty of the ghats adorned with lights as far as your eyes can see. With Zostel (backpacker's hostel) in Varanasi, it has become even easier for Backpackers and solo travellers to find a good place to stay in Varanasi.

Varanasi Travel Guide

Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali (Source)

The city was designed in the shape of a bow, in keeping with the meandering River Ganga. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is the time to see that bow lit to every last inch. If you're a haggler, get to the other side of the river on a boat and savour the beauty of all 84 Ganga Ghats of Varanasi lit like a fairy lantern. I promise you, Dev Diwali in Varanasi is an experience that you will never, ever forget!

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Festivals in Kashi

 

Festivals in Kashi: A Spiritual Celebration Throughout the Year

Kashi (Varanasi), the spiritual heart of India, is not just a city—it's an experience. With its sacred Ganga ghats, ancient temples, and divine aura, Kashi comes alive with a vibrant calendar of festivals that reflect its deep cultural and religious heritage. Every month in Varanasi brings something unique—a festival, a ritual, or a celebration that draws pilgrims and travelers from around the globe.

If you're planning a visit to Kashi, aligning your trip with these festivals can give you a truly immersive spiritual experience. Let’s explore the most important festivals celebrated in Kashi throughout the year.

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🌟 1. Dev Deepawali – The Festival of Lights on the Ganga

When: 15 days after Diwali (Kartik Purnima)
Where: All major ghats, especially Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dev Deepawali, the "Diwali of the Gods", is Varanasi's grandest festival. The entire riverfront is illuminated with over a million diyas, and the Ganga Aarti performed under a moonlit sky is a sight to behold. It marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura.

Don’t Miss: Evening boat ride to witness the ghats lit up in golden hues.

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🕉️ 2. Maha Shivratri – The Night of the Great Lord

When: February–March (Phalguna month)
Where: Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other Shiva temples

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this festival is observed with fasting, night-long prayers, and special rituals. Thousands of devotees line up at Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer milk, bael leaves, and flowers to the Shiva Linga.

Spiritual Tip: Witness the Shiv Barat (Lord Shiva's wedding procession) which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kashi.

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🎭 3. Ramlila of Ramnagar – A Living Epic

When: During the month of Sharad Navratri (September–October)
Where: Ramnagar Fort

This 31-day theatrical presentation of the Ramayana is world-famous and even recognized by UNESCO. Villagers play roles with incredible devotion, and the entire town transforms into mythological Ayodhya.

Unique Experience: Unlike stage performances, this Ramlila moves with the story across vast fields and locations.

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🎨 4. Holi & Masan Holi – A Play of Colors and Ashes

When: March

While Holi is celebrated across India with color, laughter, and joy, Kashi offers a unique version known as Masan Holi, where sadhus and locals play Holi with ash at the cremation ground, symbolizing the victory of life over death.

Why It’s Special: Only in Kashi will you see death and celebration intertwined with deep philosophical meaning.

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🎶 5. Dhrupad Mela – Classical Music on the Ghat

When: February
Where: Tulsi Ghat

This 5-day musical event celebrates Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music. Eminent artists from all over India perform live under the open sky beside the Ganges.

Must-Do: Sit by the ghat at night and let the meditative music soak your soul.

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🌊 6. Ganga Mahotsav – A Cultural Extravaganza

When: November (concludes with Dev Deepawali)
Where: Riverfront ghats

Ganga Mahotsav is a 5-day festival celebrating the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ganges River. Events include folk dance, classical music, boat races, and craft exhibitions.

Perfect For: Travelers seeking a blend of culture, music, and tradition.

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🐍 7. Nag Nathaiya – Krishna’s Divine Leela

When: October–November
Where: Tulsi Ghat

This festival reenacts Lord Krishna’s subduing of the serpent Kaliya. A young boy, dressed as Krishna, jumps into the Ganga from a Kadamba tree to recreate the legend.

Highlight: The dramatic performance draws thousands to Tulsi Ghat each year.

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🪷 8. Buddha Purnima – The Enlightenment Day

When: April–May
Where: Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi)

This sacred day marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, hosts special prayers, processions, and cultural events.

Recommendation: A day trip to Sarnath from Varanasi is ideal during this time.

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🌸 9. Panchkroshi Yatra – The Spiritual Circle

When: Typically in April–May
Where: 80-km pilgrimage around Varanasi

This 5-day pilgrimage covers 108 shrines across a sacred circular route. Devotees walk barefoot and camp on the way, seeking spiritual merit and liberation.

Pilgrimage Note: It’s considered one of the most powerful yatras for moksha seekers.

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🌊 10. Ganga Dussehra – Welcoming the Holy River

When: May–June
Where: Ghats of Varanasi

This festival marks the descent of the holy Ganga to Earth. Devotees take holy dips in the river, believing it cleanses ten sins (dasha-hara).

Sacred Ritual: Taking a dip on this day is believed to be equivalent to visiting all the pilgrimages.

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Why You Should Visit Kashi During Festival Time

Kashi isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. The energy of its festivals, the devotion of its people, and the age-old rituals transport you to a timeless spiritual world. If you want to experience India’s soul, there is no better way than to witness Kashi during one of these divine celebrations.

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Plan Your Festival Tour with Shivakashi Travels

At Shivakashi Travels, we offer customized spiritual tours designed around major festivals in Kashi. Whether you're looking for boat rides during Dev Deepawali or a guided Panchkroshi Yatra, we make sure your journey is comfortable, spiritual, and memorable.

Book Now and witness the divine rhythm of life in the sacred city of Kashi!

Summer Special Kashi Tour Packages

 

 

Summer Special Kashi Tour Packages by Shivakashi Travels

1. Kashi Tour Package – 2 Days / 1 Night

• Highlights: Visit to New Kashi Vishwanath Temple (BHU), Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

• Additional: Optional boat ride on the Ganges (direct payment).

• Inclusions: Hotel accommodation, breakfast, and local sightseeing.

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2. Kashi Tour Package – 3 Days / 2 Nights

• Highlights:

  • Day 1: Arrival and temple visits in Varanasi.

  • Day 2: Excursion to Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam, Hanuman Temple, Anand Bhawan) and Sitamarhi.

  • Day 3: Visit to Sarnath, including Dhamek Stupa and the 80-feet Buddha statue.

• Inclusions: Hotel accommodation, breakfast, and sightseeing.

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3. Kashi Tour Package – 4 Days / 3 Nights

• Highlights: Comprehensive temple tour in Varanasi, Ganga Aarti, and a day trip to Prayagraj.

• Inclusions: Hotel accommodation, breakfast, and guided tours.

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4. Kashi Tour Package – 5 Days / 4 Nights

• Highlights: Extended pilgrimage covering Varanasi and Prayagraj.

• Inclusions:

  • Transportation: AC Innova or Tempo Traveller (based on group size).

  • Meals: Breakfast included.

  • Services: Return transfers from railway station/airport and all sightseeing as per itinerary.

• Rates:

  • 4 Adults: ₹10,500 per person (2 double rooms).

  • 6 Adults: ₹9,500 per person (3 double rooms).

  • 10 Adults: ₹8,500 per person (5 double rooms).

  • 12 Adults: ₹8,000 per person (6 double rooms).

  • 14 Adults: ₹7,800 per person (7 double rooms).

  • 16 Adults: ₹7,500 per person (8 double rooms).

• Exclusions: Boat rides, temple pooja, personal purchases, and ticket fares.

• More Info: Shivakashi TravelsShivakashi TravelsShivakashi Travels+1Shivakashi Travels+1

5. Kashi Tour Package – 6 Days / 5 Nights

• Destinations Covered: Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Gaya, Allahabad, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Naimisharanya.

• Inclusions: Hotel accommodation, breakfast, and transportation.

• More Info: Shivakashi TravelsShivakashi Travels+1Shivakashi Travels+1

6. Kashi Tour Package – 10 Days / 9 Nights

• Destinations Covered: Varanasi, Allahabad, Ayodhya, Bodhgaya, Vindhyachal, Chunar, and return to Varanasi.

• Inclusions: Comprehensive sightseeing, hotel stays, and transportation.

• More Info: Shivakashi TravelsShivakashi Travels+1Shivakashi Travels+1

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🛶 Additional Experiences

• Ganga Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual ritual performed daily.

• Boat Rides: Optional boat rides on the Ganges offer a unique perspective of the ghats and temples.

• Subah-e-Banaras: Experience the serene morning rituals and chants along the ghats.

• Rudrabhishek Pooja: Participate in the sacred Rudrabhishek ceremony at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

• Pind Daan Services: Perform ancestral rites and rituals in Varanasi.Shivakashi Travels+2Shivakashi Travels+2Shivakashi Travels+2Shivakashi TravelsShivakashi Travels+6Shivakashi Travels+6Shivakashi Travels+6

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For more details, customization options, or to book your summer pilgrimage, visit Shivakashi Travels.