Death & Transitions
Shashthi Shradh — Day 6 of Pitru Paksha
षष्ठी श्राद्ध
Last reviewed: April 2026
Shashthi Shradh (षष्ठी श्राद्ध) on day 6 of Pitru Paksha is performed for ancestors whose death tithi was shashthi in any lunar month. षष्ठी तिथि पर मृत पितरों के लिए श्राद्ध।
The Practice
Shashthi is associated with Skanda (Kartikeya) in some traditions; a brief invocation of Kartikeya at the start is practiced in Tamil households.
Six pindas may be offered instead of three — one for each generation up to great-great-grandfather — reflecting the number six of the tithi.
An extra offering of milk-rice (paramanna) is included in the naivedya.
The Brahmin bhojan includes a specific dish of curd-rice (dadhi-odan) on Shashthi.
Tarpan is repeated three times during the rite — morning, midday, and end — for emphasis.
Pinda visarjan is done at the edge of flowing water with a prayer for the ancestor's continued peace.
Regional Variations
North Indian Tradition
North Indian tradition follows standard Shashthi Shradh procedure without emphasis on Kartikeya.
South Indian Tradition
Tamil tradition invokes Kartikeya (Murugan) briefly before the pitru rite on Shashthi.
Bengali Tradition
Mahalaya tarpan covers Shashthi observance in Bengal.
Gujarati Tradition
Gujarati tradition follows standard shradh procedure.
The Thing Nobody Else Says
Shashthi Shradh carries a subtle connection to child-birth and child-death rituals via its association with Shashthi Devi, the goddess of children — making it meaningful for ancestors who lost children.
Skanda Purana (Nagara Khanda) notes that Shashthi Devi is invoked for protection of children and by extension, offerings to ancestors who suffered child loss are held to be especially effective on this tithi.
Classical Source
षष्ठ्यां श्राद्धं सदा कुर्यात् पितृणां तृप्तिहेतवे। पितरः तर्पिता यान्ति पितृलोकं सुखं शुभम्॥
ṣaṣṭhyāṃ śrāddhaṃ sadā kuryāt pitṛṇāṃ tṛptihetave। pitaraḥ tarpitā yānti pitṛlokaṃ sukhaṃ śubham॥
“On shashthi tithi, one should always perform shradh for the satisfaction of the ancestors. The ancestors, thus satisfied, go to the blessed and auspicious pitru loka.”
— Nirnaya Sindhu, Shraddha Prakarana
What If —
What if Shashthi coincides with Amavasya?
Very rare overlap given the tithi structure; if it occurs due to calendrical variation, the ancestor's tithi takes priority and the rite proceeds as Shashthi Shradh.
Can I add a Kartikeya invocation?
Yes, especially in South Indian traditions. It is optional but culturally appropriate for Shashthi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is honored on Shashthi Shradh?
Ancestors whose death tithi was shashthi of any month. (Hindi: षष्ठी तिथि पर मृत पितर।)
What samagri is needed?
Til, jau, rice, ghee, honey, kusha, flowers, banana leaf, brass/copper vessel, and a lamp.
Is six a significant number on this day?
Yes — six is the tithi number. Some traditions offer six pindas or six fruits. (Hindi: इस तिथि पर छह का अंक प्रतीकात्मक महत्व रखता है।)
Is Kartikeya associated with this tithi?
Yes, in some traditions, particularly in South India, Shashthi is sacred to Kartikeya and a brief invocation is made.
When is the correct time?
Midday abhijit muhurta — roughly 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM local time.