Pitru Paksha also known as Shradh Paksha holds great significance in Hinduism. It is a 16-day-long period where people worship their ancestors and forefathers and perform rituals such as Pind Daan and Pitra Puja to honour them. As per Hindu legends, performing rituals like Pitra Puja brings salvation to the ancestors, who during this period, visit their loved ones and accept various food offerings. This year, Pitru Paksha begins on 29th September and ends on 14th October.
Significance Of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha marks the most sacred 16 days when people pay homage to their dead forefathers and ancestors. Pitru Paksha or Shradh Paksha starts from Bhadrapada Purnima and ends on Mahalaya Amavasya. During this 16-day period, people perform rituals like Pind Daan and Pitra Puja to bring peace and moksha to their ancestors. Legends believe that during this period, ancestors visit their families and are offered food and water. Food and water offerings to the ancestors play a crucial role as they bring satisfaction.
Shradh Paksha is not considered auspicious among Hindus, and they perform it just like death rituals. Those who observe Shradh Paksha ought to follow certain rules and refrain from eating certain foods and buying new clothes, houses, utensils, appliances, etc.
What To Avoid During Pitru Paksha
During the 16-day-long Pitru Paksha, those performing the rituals should avoid a long list of food items especially non-vegetarian food, alcohol, eggs, etc. Apart from this, tamasic food such as onion, garlic, and brinjals should be avoided. Food items like chickpeas, black urad dal, masoor dal, mustard greens, cucumber, black salt, and black mustard seeds along with rice, wheat, channa sattu, potatoes, and radish should also be avoided. People should refrain from the consumption of paan, tobacco, and supari. Also, eating stale food should be avoided.
What To Eat During Pitru Paksha
People performing Shradh Paksha rituals should only consume a simple and satvik diet. It is believed that the satvik diet helps in promoting better mental peace and spiritual growth. Eating a tamasic or rajasic diet can affect the mental balance. It is advisable to drink sufficient water to stay hydrated during the period.
Rules To Follow
Since the 16-day long period of Pitru Paksha is considered extremely inauspicious, people refrain from starting new works like marriage and others. Buying a new house or vehicle, buying and wearing new clothes, celebrating an occasion, and more should be avoided. People should also avoid cutting hair and nails. As per legends, the rituals should not be performed in any iron vessel as only four types of metals are considered ideal for use i.e. copper, silver, bronze, and gold.
It is believed that any hungry stranger or animal should not go back thirsty and hungry and should not be disrespected. It is written in ancient scriptures that people should pay extra attention towards feeding brahmins, cows, dogs, and ants. One should not visit ancient temples and maintain celibacy during these days.