In India, the period from the full moon of the month of Bhadrapada to the new moon of the month of Ashwin is known as Pitru Paksha. It is also called Shraddha Paksha, Mahalaya Paksha, or in some regions Hadpak. This is a special 16-day period when people remember their ancestors (Pitru) and perform rituals such as tarpan, shraddha, and charity. It is believed that during these days, the gates of Pitru Loka open and ancestors come to the earth to accept the offerings of their descendants.
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Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is considered extremely important in our scriptures. Mahabharata and Puranas mention that performing tarpan and shraddha during this period gives peace to the souls of the ancestors. At the same time, they bless their descendants with happiness, prosperity, and well-being. It is also regarded as a period for repaying the Pitru Rin (debt to the ancestors). Scriptures state that those who perform shraddha with devotion during this period bring longevity, health, and prosperity to their families. Many beliefs also highlight that this period is not only for the peace of departed souls but also for the spiritual upliftment of the living. Socially, this time reinforces family unity and preservation of traditions.
What to Do During Pitru Paksha
Shraddha and Tarpan
The most important rituals are shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan. With devotion and reverence, a person remembers their ancestors and offers water, sesame seeds, and cooked food for their satisfaction. This is not only a religious duty but also an expression of gratitude towards ancestors.
Charity
Charity during Pitru Paksha is considered highly meritorious. The charity performed in this period is not only a ritual but also a symbol of gratitude towards ancestors. According to traditions, offering donations ensures peace for the souls of ancestors and removes Pitru Dosha. People donate with faith so that their families attain prosperity and peace.
Some important items believed to be auspicious for donation are:
- Clothes (such as dhoti, saree, or shawl)
- Food grains, jaggery, black sesame seeds, and salt
- Silver utensils, umbrella, footwear, etc.
Feeding Brahmins and the Needy
Feeding Brahmins with devotion and giving them dakshina is considered very auspicious. It is not only a tradition but also a way to receive their blessings. At the same time, the needy in society are also remembered. Feeding the poor, giving fodder to cows, feeding dogs and crows, and even offering flour or jaggery to ants is considered a way of pleasing the ancestors.
Following a Sattvic Diet
During Pitru Paksha, one should eat only sattvic food. This means pure, light, and easily digestible meals that bring peace to both mind and body. According to religious belief, consuming a sattvic diet satisfies the souls of ancestors and purifies the mind of the person performing the rituals. Foods like non-veg, alcohol, garlic, and onion should be avoided during this sacred period.
What Not to Do During Pitru Paksha
Avoid Auspicious Events
Any auspicious work during Pitru Paksha is considered prohibited. It is believed that performing marriages, housewarmings, naming ceremonies, or starting new businesses during this period brings inauspicious results. Families are advised to focus only on remembering their ancestors through rituals.
Some activities to avoid:
- Performing marriages, housewarmings, or starting a new venture
- Organizing religious celebrations or festive events
Avoid Tamasic Food
During this time, eating meat, consuming alcohol, garlic, and onion is strictly prohibited. It is believed that such food displeases the souls of ancestors and negates the effect of the rituals. A sattvic diet is considered best during Pitru Paksha.
Other Restrictions
Certain other prohibitions are also followed during Pitru Paksha, which are significant both from a religious and social perspective:
- Cutting hair, beard, or nails
- Buying and wearing new clothes
- Displaying pomp and indulgence
Read Also : Pitru Paksha 2025: When Does It Start, Significance, and Rituals
Religious and Spiritual Benefits
Performing rituals with devotion during Pitru Paksha is said to remove Pitru Dosha. This is not only significant from a religious perspective but also from a mental and social standpoint. When a person remembers their ancestors and performs shraddha, tarpan, and charity, it is believed that the ancestors become pleased and bless the family. This has a positive impact on the home environment and family life.
Some key benefits believed to be associated with Pitru Paksha are:
- Brings peace and prosperity to the family
- Ancestors bless their descendants with health, progeny, and longevity
- Reduces obstacles and unrest in life
Cultural Variations
In North India, it is called Shraddha Paksha where rituals are performed to bring peace to the souls of ancestors. In Maharashtra and Central India, it is popularly known as Hadpak, where the tradition is observed with great respect within families and society. In Bengal, it is called Mahalaya and marks the beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, special prayers and chants are performed to invoke Goddess Durga, making it culturally very significant.
Pitru Paksha is not just a religious ritual but also an opportunity to express gratitude towards our ancestors. This period reminds us of the deep roots we come from and the debt we owe to our forefathers. Performing shraddha, tarpan, and charity during these days is not merely a ritual but a medium of expressing respect and thankfulness towards them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What not to buy during Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, people generally avoid buying items that are considered symbols of luxury or celebration, such as new clothes, ornaments, or expensive household items. It is believed that such purchases distract from the solemnity of the period dedicated to honoring ancestors.
Can we buy new things in Pitru Paksha?
Traditionally, buying new things during Pitru Paksha is discouraged. The period is considered inauspicious for shopping related to celebrations or starting new ventures. Families usually postpone such purchases until after the end of Pitru Paksha.
Can we buy gold in Pitru Paksha?
According to traditional belief, buying gold during Pitru Paksha is also considered inauspicious. Gold is regarded as a symbol of wealth and celebration, while this period is dedicated to remembering ancestors and performing rituals. Hence, people avoid purchasing gold or other precious metals during this time.
How many days does Pitru Paksha last?
Pitru Paksha lasts for a total of 16 days. It begins from the full moon of the Bhadrapada month and continues until the new moon of the Ashwin month. Each of these days is traditionally observed with specific rituals dedicated to ancestors.
Can we eat non-veg in Pitru Paksha?
No, eating non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha is strictly avoided. Traditional beliefs emphasize following a sattvic (pure and vegetarian) diet during this period, as consuming non-veg items like meat, fish, or eggs is considered disrespectful to the ancestors and diminishes the spiritual benefits of the rituals.
Read also in hindi : Pitru Paksha: यह क्या है और पितृ पक्ष के दौरान क्या करें?
Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Hinditerminal.com
