Pitru paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha, is a significant 16-day period in Hindu religion. During this time, people honour their ancestors and forefathers by performing rituals such as Pind Daan and Pitru Puja.
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Shradh Paksha holds great significance in Hinduism, as it is believed that during this period, ancestors visit their families and are offered food and water. These offerings to the ancestors play a crucial role as they bring satisfaction. This year, pitru paksha begins on 17th September and ends on 2nd October. Those who observe Shradh Paksha should follow certain guidelines, including refraining from buying new clothes, houses, utensils, and appliances, and avoiding specific food items. The list of food items to be avoided during this period is provided below.
List Of Food Items To Avoid During Shradh Paksha
Non-vegetarian
Non-vegetarian foods, including all kinds of meat, fish, and eggs, are avoided during this period as they are all considered tamasic in nature. According to mythology, if non-vegetarian food is prepared in the house, it might bring evil spirits to your home, and you may suffer from spiritual decay.
Onion
According to Ayurveda, onion is considered tamasic and rajasic in nature, which can make a person lethargic and restless. During Shradh, it is advised to consume foods that make you feel calm, and thus onions must be avoided.
Garlic
At the time of Shradh, it was very essential to maintain a sattvic diet to keep one's body as well as mind pure. Garlic again is considered tamasic and rajasic, and thus it should be avoided to maintain the balance, besides making the atmosphere favourable for the spiritual practise.
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Lentil And Pulses
Some lentils, such as masoor dal and rajma, are avoided due to their heavy, tamasic nature. However, urad dal is acceptable as it is lighter and sattvic.
Brinjal
In some parts of India, this vegetable is avoided during the Shradh period, as it also has tamasic properties, causing dullness and lethargy. Instead, lighter vegetables like bottle gourd are preferred.
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Mushrooms
Mushrooms are said to be like meat. They have a meaty texture, and taste and are said to be tamasic in nature. This is why mushrooms are also avoided during Pitru Paksha. They grow in an impure place and are said to make one feel dull and lazy.
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Leftover food
In Shradh, leftover food is strictly avoided. The food items offered to the ancestors must always be fresh since stale residue food is considered impure and tamasic. No stale, residue food material is accepted or offered during the rituals in any Hindu community. Therefore, every meal in Pitru Paksha must be freshly prepared with devotion and reverence.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages also possess a very important place in the list of foods that are totally and strictly not allowed in Pitru Paksha. Considered tamasic, alcohol will defeat the spiritual focus and bring shame to the spiritual practice related to the deceased family members. Thus, one is expected to cut off any sources of alcoholic beverages during the whole course of Pitru Paksha.