Guide to Pujas, Festivals and Homas

Pitru Paksha 2019: Pitru Paksha, a 16 day lunar period in Hindu calendar begins on Friday, September 13 and concludes on Saturday, September 28. Pitru Paksha is a ritual performed for the dead ancestors. Hindus pay homage to their ancestors during this period.

Pitru Paksha is also known as Pitru Pakshya, Pitri Pokkho, Sola Shraddha, Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha and Apara Paksha. The word ‘Pitras’ means ‘Ancestors’ and ‘Paksha’ means ‘A particular time’. It is considered to be an inauspicious time. No good task is done during this period.

During the ceremony, the death rites that are performed is termed ‘Tarpan’ or ‘Shraddha’. It is believed that performing the Pitru Dosha blesses the entire family. It is performed only by the male members of the family.

Pitru Paksha 2019 Dates

Date	Day	Shraddha
13 September 2019	Friday	Purnima Shraddha
14 September 2019	Saturday	Pratipada Shraddha
15 September 2019	Sunday	Dwitiya Shraddha
16 September 2019	Monday	Tritiya Shraddha
17 September 2019	Tuesday	Chaturthi Shraddha
18 September 2019	Wednesday	Maha Bharani, Panchami Shraddha
19 September 2019	Thursday	Shashti Shraddha
20 September 2019	Friday	Saptami Shraddha
21 September 2019	Saturday	Ashtami Shraddha
22 September 2019	Sunday	Navami Shraddha
23 September 2019	Monday	Dashami Shraddha
24 September 2019	Tuesday	Ekadashi Shraddha
25 September 2019	Wednesday	Dwadashi Shraddha
26 September 2019	Thursday	Trayadoshi Shraddha
27 September 2019	Friday	Magha Shraddha
28 September 2019	Saturday	Sarva Pitra Amavasya

Why do we perform Pitru Paksha?

We perform Pitru Paksha Puja because:

• It ensures that the ancestors go to heaven.
• It is believed that the live members of the family won’t be in peace if the ancestors are not resting in peace. The family will keep facing some of the other problems.
• Not performing the puja can make the women of the family not have children.
• It ensures that the ancestors rest in peace by clearing their sins.

What is the history of Pitru Paksha ritual?

According to mythology, the reason for performing Pitru Paksha relates to King Karna, the son of the Sun God from Mahabharata. King Karna was always deeply involved in charity and could never say no to anybody. After his death in the Mahabharat war, when he went to heaven, he was offered food made of gold. 

He asked the Gods why such a great was offered food this way even after doing so much charity. He was told that this was because he only offered gold as a charity and not food. King Karna neither offered food and water to his ancestors nor the poor people. Realizing his mistake, King Karna wanted to correct it. The Gods thus decided to let Karna return to Earth for 15 days to feed the poor. This helped him to get rid of the problem. This period is called Pitru Paksha.

Who can perform Pitru Paksha ritual?

The son of the dead ancestor performs the Pitru Paksha. If the person has no son, any other male member can perform the Puja. In cases where a person has more than one son, the eldest son performs the Puja.

Where do we perform Pitru Karma?

• One can perform the Puja in a lake beside their house.
• They can also perform this Puja at the banks of a river.
• One can also visit Gaya or Varanasi to perform the Puja.

Materials required to perform Pitru Paksha 2019

The materials required to perform Pitru Paksha are:

• White rice, A bucket of water, Piece of Kush grass (with roots attached), and Black till for performing the Tarpan.
• Ghee, 5 pairs of Puri/Suhari and Sweet rice, Black Till, Camphor, 1 Diya, Wood, Mango leaves, Lota with water and prepared food to take outside for performing the Havan.
• Prepared meals, or 3 or 5 pairs of Suhari/Puri and sweet rice for performing the Bhojan.

How to perform Pitru Paksha in 2019?

The ceremony of Pitru Paksha consists of three parts. These are:

• Tarpan
• Havana
• Bhojan

Method of offering Tarpan:

• Mix the black till and white rice into the bucket of water. After that plant the Kush grass on the southern side of you. Then tie the Kush grass into a knot.
• Join your hands together and allow the water to scoop down your palms.
• Face the east and offer the ‘Jal’ with hands to the sun and recite 3 times, “Om Sri Suriyaayaai Namah.”
• Face the south and offer Tarpan with hands to the deceased ancestor. Do it 3 times for each ancestor in the following way: (Call the name of deceased) and recite “Pitra Swaadhaa”.
• Offer Tarpan 3 times. Say “Sarva Pitra Swaadhaa”

Method of performing Havan:

• Face south with the Havan Kund in front of. Say “Om Namo Narayana Namah” seven times. Spend a few moments reflecting on the forefathers who are honoured with Pitra Havan.
• Set the fire and make ghee offerings to the forefathers. Recite the same mantras as the Tarpan.
• Mix the ghee, black till, puri and sweet rice together.
• Make the offerings like the Tarpan using this mixture.
• Take the prepared food for forefathers outside.

Method of performing Bhojan:

• At least three people should accompany you.
• Take the food and a lighting piece of stick or camphor to the back of your house.
• Place the fire down and the food and water down in a neat way.
• Pause for a while to seek the protection of these souls and then turn around and leave.
• You should not look at the food you have offered.

What are the rules for performing the Pitru Paksha ritual?

The rules for performing the Pitru Paksha are:

• The male performing the Puja should bathe before performing the Puja.
• The male performing the Puja should wear a Dhoti.
• He should wear a ‘Kush Grass’ ring.
• He should be bare-chested.
• The person performing the Puja should not have anything negative in his mind.
• Do not do anything ‘new’ during this time. Like engagement, wedding, buying property etc.
• Avoid eating non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, jeera, mustard oil etc.
• Do not harm any living beings during this period.

What is the cost of performing Pitru Paksha?

The cost of performing Pitru Paksha starts from as low as Rs 25 and can go up to Rs 5000.

The pandit performs the puja for a group of people together at the lower budget and the size of the group decreases with the increase in the budget. The budget ranges from Rs 2500-5000 if a Pandit dedicates himself to perform your Puja. This includes the cost of ingredients and donations.

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Navratri Puja Dates: 29 Sep 2019 to 7 Oct 2019 (9 Days)

Navratri Puja is performed to worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga for nine continuous days. This year in 2019, Navratri is beginning from Sunday, September 29 and ending on Monday, October 7. Navratri means 9 sacred days. A distinct avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped on each of the nine days. Read how to do the Navratri Puja, Step by Step Procedure, Significance and Benefits.

Navratri Puja 2019 – Everything You Need To Know

Navratri Dates 2019	29 September 2019 – 7 October 2019
Type of Navratri	Sharadiya Navratri or Maha Navratri (Celebrated in Sep-Oct)
No. of Days Celebrated	9
Goddess Worshipped	Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
Important Day	Maha Navami (9th Day)
Pooja	Kanya Laangura Bhoj
Fasting Days (Vrat)	1st, 8th and 9th Day of Navratri
Related Festivals	Dussehra and Diwali
Celebration in India	Garba Dance in Gujarat & Mumbai

Who should perform Navratri Puja?

• People who want to get success in life with the blessings of Goddess Durga can perform this puja.
• If someone is facing any financial issues or any family problems, then performing this puja will help them to get rid of this issue. 
• This puja is also very beneficial for getting the peace of mind.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. In South India, Navratri is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In North India, it is celebrated on the day of Dussehra, commonly known as Vijaya Dashami.

What are the benefits of doing Navratri Puja?

• Worshipping the Goddess during the auspicious time period can bring a lot of benefits. One can receive wealth, prosperity in business and success in life after doing the puja.
• One receives the divine blessings of Maa Durga after performing the Navratri puja.
• People can also get rid of the sins performed during the previous births or the present life after performing this pooja.
• Navratri pooja also helps to protect ourselves from bad spirits and to remove obstacles in life.
• This pooja fulfils the wishes and desires of devotees performing it and relieved them from any diseases.

When should I perform Navratri Puja?

The date and time for performing the Navratri Puja are based on the Hindu Calendar. The dates are determined on the basis of Tithi and Nakshatras. Navratri Puja begins on the sixth day of Devi Paksha which is the beginning of the autumn season. This puja falls in the lunar month of Ashwin.

According to Hindu tithis, Navratri begins with Pratipada and ends with Navami. It is considered as the longest Hindu festival which is celebrated for nine days. Devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri which is the last and the most important day of Navratri. People celebrate the tenth day of Navratri as Vijayadashami to mark the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana.

Which Goddesses are Worshipped during Navratri? (Navratri 9 Devi Names)

Navratri Day	Tithi	Goddess Worshipped	Poojas	Offerings	Colors of Navratri
29 September	Day 1 Pratipada	Shailaputri	Ghatsthapana, Chandra Darshan, Shailaputri Puja	Ghee	Orange
30 September	Day 2 Dwitiya	Brahmacharini	Brahmacharini Puja	Sugar	White
1 October	Day 3 Tritiya	Chandraghanta	Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Varad Vinayak Chauth	Ghee	Red
2 October	Day 4 Chaturthi	Kushmanda	Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat	Malupa	Royal Blue
3 October	Day 5 Panchami	Skandamata	Skandamata Puja	Bananas	Yellow
4 October	Day 6 Shashthi	Katyayini	Katyayini Puja	Honey	Green
5 October	Day 7 Saptami	Kaalratri	Kaalratri Puja, Saraswati Awahan	Jaggery	Grey
6 October	Day 8 Ashtami	Mahagauri	Mahagauri Puja, Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja	Coconut	Purple
7 October	Day 9 Navami	Siddhidatri	Siddhidatri Puja, Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa	Grains	Peacock Green
8 October	Day 10 Dashami	—	Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijaya Dashami	—

What are the Navratri Colors?

On Navratri, there is a tradition to wear dresses that represent the colours of Navratri on each of the 9 days. There are 9 different Navratri colours in 2019. Use these colours given below as a guide and make this Navratri more colourful. Navratri Color Sequence for 2019 below:

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How to perform Navratri Puja in 2019?

Step by step guide and procedure to perform Navratri Pooja is:

What are the requirements for Navratri Puja?

The materials required for the Navratri pooja are: idol of goddess, deepak, agarbatti, kapoor, sari for offering to the goddess, pooja book containing all the aartis, Ganga water, flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, rice, banana, coconut, cloves, cardamom,supari, gulal, decorated kalash.

What is the cost of performing Navratri Puja?

The cost of the puja varies depending upon the samagri. The cost of this puja ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 depending upon the materials and consultation from the expert.

Garba Dance on Navratri

Garba dance is the most famous activity during Navratri and especially popular in Gujarat and Mumbai. Singing and dancing during Navratri is a part of festivity and fun and also a reason to dress up and catch up with your friends. It is also believed that singing and dancing in front of the Goddess is auspicious and brings good luck.

What are the other types of Navratri in a year?

Navratri Puja is also popularly known as ‘Durga Pooja.’ Very few people know that it is celebrated four times throughout the year. The name of four Navratri in a year are:

• Paush/Magh Navratri (Jan-Feb)
• Chaitra/Basanti Navratri (Mar-Apr)
• Ashadh Navratri (Jun-Jul)
• Shardiya Navratri (Sep-Oct) **Maha Navratri – Most Popular**

Only Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated all over India. While the Paush and Ashad Navratri are not celebrated by common people.

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What is Bhoomi Pooja?

Bhoomi pooja is a ritual performed in honour of Goddess Bhoomi and Vastu Purush (deity of directions). Bhoomi means Mother Earth. Hence, this pooja eradicates the ill effects and Vats Doshas in the land. Beginning prior to the construction of any structure, this smoothes out the process of construction.

Where does the Bhoomi Pooja take place?

• Bhoomi Pooja always takes place in the north-east corner of the construction site or for good agricultural yield.

Which Deity is worshipped in Bhoomi Pooja?

• This ritual is dedicated to Vastu Purusha, Goddess Bhoomi, Pancha boothas (the five elements of nature).
• This pooja takes place in accordance with Vastu Shastra.
• Also, the deity of directions is also honoured so as to eradicate all the ill effects and Vaastu doshas in the land.

Do’s and Dont’s after the purchase of Bhoomi or land

• It is of utmost importance to build the compound wall before constructing the house.
• The height of the southwest part of the wall should be higher in comparison to the other walls of the house.
• The east and north sides walls should be 21 inches shorter than the south and west sides walls.
• After the selection of the construction site, one must grow plants on the land.
• However, keeping a calf or cow in the land makes it all the more auspicious.
• Consulting a priest with experience to perform Bhoomi Pooja is very fruitful. Moreover, it adds happiness and prosperity to an individual’s life.

Who should perform Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s who should perform Bhoomi Pooja:

• This pooja should be done by the head of the family alongside his wife.
• Also, this ritual of honouring the Mother Earth must take place in the presence of a proficient priest.
• A proficient priest will provide you with all the details for a Shubh Muhurat for the pooja. He can also help to carry out the task in a rightful manner.

What are the benefits of doing Bhoomi Pooja?

Here is a list of benefits of doing Bhoomi Pooja:

• It is a priority to seek the blessings of Mother Earth prior to the construction of a building or use of land for the cultivation purpose.
• This ritualistic pooja ensures that the land gets rid of all the evils and all the negativities from the land are reduced.
• Moreover, the Bhoomi Pooja helps in the smooth completion of work without any hurdles.
• It also guarantees the well being and happiness of the people ready to reside in the property. In the case of land use for the agricultural purpose then it helps to have better yields.
• Bhoomi Pooja invokes the Vaastu Purusha who grants his blessings to the worshipper.
• This pooja purifies the site of construction getting rid of any sort of negativity. It helps to pacify all the corners of the house to be built.

When should one perform Bhoomi Pooja?

• Months of Shravan, Margshirsh, Paush, and Kartik are ideal for Bhoomi pooja.
• Vastu time dictates the date for Bhoomi puja. Many times it falls twice in a month.
• The suitable weekdays for this pooja are Monday and Thursday. These two days are very auspicious for this pooja.
• Also, one must avoid performing this pooja on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays.
• It is better to avoid, Divaskarma, Hadpaksha and Shraadh paksha for such auspicious activity.

What to avoid in Bhoomi Pooja?

• One must avoid performing this pooja on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. These days aren’t very auspicious for this pooja.
• It is better to avoid, Divaskarma, hadpaksha and shraadh paksha for such auspicious activity.
• Fourth, Ninth and Fourteenth teethis are not ideal for this pooja.
• Avoid beginning the construction work in case a female in the household is more than seven months pregnant.

How does Lunar Constellations impact Bhoomi Pooja?

• On the very first day of construction work, one must calculate the number of lunar constellation.
• If the number is between 1 to 7 or 19 to 28 than at that time the day for performing the pooja is inauspicious.
• However, if the resulting number is from 8 to 18 than that particular day is very auspicious.

How to perform Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s how to do Bhoomi Pooja:

• The first step for performing the pooja is to clean the site. Also, one must clean the dirt and get rid of all trash holes from the area.
• Secondly, one must dig a hole in the northeast direction on the construction site.
• Thirdly, the worshipper should sit facing east at the time of After the puja, the lady of the house boils the milk and it is necessary that the milk should spill over this pooja.
• One should place the idols of Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and other deities that one worships on a clean platform.
• It is the Ganesh pooja that marks the beginning of any auspicious work in Hinduism. Then a havan takes place.
• Then one places the coconut used in the pooja covered with red cloth in the ground. Also, silver idols of Naag and Naagin are placed inside the ground.
• The other major rituals include Devi pooja, taking a Sankalpa, shatkarma, pran pratishtha and Manglik dravya sthapana.

What are the requirements for Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s a list of articles required for Bhoomi Pooja –

Samagri/ Things required	Quantity
Kumkum (red sindoor)	100 grams
Turmeric powder	100 grams
Camphor /Karpuram	1 packet
Sandalwood powder	1 box
Incense (agarbatti) sticks	1 packet
Fruits	5 types 2 each
Beetle nuts	100 grams
Beetle leafs	30
Coconuts	5
Rice	4 lb
Flowers	3 bunches

Other requirements for this pooja are –

• 1 set of Navaratnas (9 types of gems), a packet of dry dates, 5 Lemon (green limes), a set of Pancha Lohas (5 metals), 2 packets of Nava Dhanyam (9 types of seeds).
• Moreover, one also needs coins- Quarters 40, a 1/2 meter long white cloth, a matcbox, lamp, cotton wicks, oil, 10 panchpatras, udharini.
• A plate, a kalash ( kalasam), 5 bricks, a bell, a bedsheet, 4 plastic plates, a gods picture and 5 foam cups etc.

What is the cost of performing Bhoomi Pooja?

• This pooja cost depends on various factors. Contact us for the pricing.
• To seek the blessings of vaastu devta one must perform this pooja under the guidance of an experienced priest.
• Moreover, forth performing this pooja well being for the family and safety is ensured.

What are the stages related to construction of home?

As per the ancient scriptures, home-related muhuratas are divided into the following stages –

• Bhoomi Pooja which is the offering of honour to the mother earth.
• Balidaana which is the offertory ritual in Hinduism.
• Hala Karshaana is next in line where the levelling os the site takes place.
• Then takes place the sowing of the seeds which is called Ankuraa- Roopana.
• Then it is time for Shilaanyaasa which is the laying of the foundation stone
• After this, the digging of a well or water source is done.
• Then fixation of door frames takes place.
• Last is the entry in the new house i.e. Griha Pravesh.

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