Pitru Paksha means Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, holds great importance in the Hindu Mythology world. It is believed that during these days of the time, the spirits of departed ancestors visit their descendants. Pitru Paksha is observed for 16 days during the Hindu Lunar month of Ashwin. During this time, it’s important to perform certain rituals, making offerings to the ancestors and praying for their peace and blessings.
The descendants contemplate this ritual with devotion, however, it is vital to follow certain traditions and also strictly avoid some acts to maintain the spiritual sanctity of the time. We will get to know everything related to this aspect in this writing to attain the divine blessings of the departed ancestors, completing the period with proper observance and dedication.
Let’s get to know about essential do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind during Pitru Paksha time:
Do’s
During Pitru Paksha, there are several rituals that are believed to please the departed soul such as:
Performing Pitru Tarpan
It means that people can offer water and sesame seeds to their ancestors when they do puja.
Pind Daan
People feed their ancestors to help them attain salvation. The food is typically made of rice and sesame.
Taking Bathe With Holy Waters
It’s considered auspicious to take bathe with the holy waters at this time.
Feed Animals
You must offer food to the animals like cows, crows, and dogs.
Feed The Needy
Offer meals or other items to those who are in need, as an act of charity or help.
Invite Brahmins to Home to Serve Them
It’s considered sacred to call or invite Brahmins at home and feed them with auspicious food and then offer them clothes. Dakshina is also given which is seen as a pious act to be done this time.
Organize Gayatri Path At Home or Office
For purity and peace, one must organize the Gayatri path at home or office to provide peace to the souls of the departed.
Stay Spiritual
One must engage in activities like Mantra chanting, participating in religious gatherings, or reading the holy scriptures.
Don’ts
Avoid Celebrations
Refrain from going into celebrations like weddings or engagements. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha one should not attend functions because it is a time for remembrance not festivities.
Don’t Consume Non-Vegetarian Food
One should not intake any kind of non-vegetarian item, as well as ginger, and garlic. It is assumed that eating these stuffs breaks the sanctity of shradh.
Don’t Travel
It is believed that one must not travel longer distances during this time. It’s considered totally inauspicious.
Avoid New Purchases
Don’t buy anything new during this time like clothes, footwear, jewelry, utensils or any other thing. One must strictly avoid doing any new car or a new house deal during Pitru Paksha.
Don’t Go For Haircuts
“Can we cut hair in shradh?” it’s a common question asked by many. One should not cut hair during Pitra Paksh time. Also, cutting nails should be avoided because these acts are considered inappropriate during this solemn period of remembrance.
Avoid Certain Foods
All lentils can’t be eaten in Pitra Paksha such as Masoor Dal, Kidney beans (Rajma), Chana Dal, and Chickpeas (Chole). All these foodstuffs are considered as Tamasic in nature. Also, spicy food should not be consumed.
Refrain from Intimacy
During this time, physical relations between couples must be refrained as it is not considered righteous to indulge in any intimate act.
No Alcohol
Alcohol breaks concentration and spiritual focus. So, don’t consume it or any sort of drink like it. It strongly brings shame to the spiritual practice you follow while Pitra Paksha.
Contemplating Mahalaya Amavasya Pitru Paksha Rituals
Mahalaya Amavasya is the highly significant day that is considered the last day of Shradh or is said as culmination of Pitru Paksha. The 16th Day of honoring the respected ancestors. Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 will be observed on date October 2, the Amavasya night, It will be the darkest night of the lunar cycle. As per the belief, the ancestors come down to Earth to receive the offerings made by their descendants. They bless their descendants with health, prosperity, and success. Thus descendants get relief from Pitra Dosha.
Rituals & Traditions Performed This Day
Tarpan
Water, black sesame seeds, and sacred grass (Kusha) are offered to the nearby river or water body, symbolizing quenching the thirst of departed souls.
Pinda Daan
This is about providing nourishment to the souls offering them rice balls, mixed with sesame seeds and ghee. This ritual is performed at home or in temples.
Serving Brahmins & Animals
Food is offered to Brahmins and animals on this day to get the immense blessings of ancestors.
Mantra Chanting
Mantra chanting is done by offering food to the departed souls for their peace in the afterlife.
Beginning of Durga Puja
On this day, Durga Puja is initiated worshipping the Goddess Durga as it is considered that Goddess embarks on her journey of celestial abode to Earth.
Concluding Thoughts
Performing such rituals as said above, truly connects us with our roots, lets us honor our forefathers and seek their blessings for the future. By following these sacred traditions, we invite peace, harmony, and prosperity into our lives.
