Pitru Paksha 2024 Guide: Dos and Don'ts of the 16-Day Shraddha Period

The sacred period of Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha, begins on September 17, and will last until October 2. This 16-day period, which starts on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, concludes with Mahalaya Amavasya, also called Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Hindus observe this time to honour their ancestors, offering rituals to ensure their peace and seek their blessings.

Pitru Paksha holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this period, the souls of ancestors descend to Earth, and families perform rituals to offer peace and nourishment to them. The main ritual performed during this time is Shraddha, where family members offer prayers and food to the departed. Many also take the opportunity to perform the Pitru Dosha Puja, a special ritual believed to remove any ancestral curse or dosha that may be affecting their lives.

Dos and Don'ts for Pitru Paksha 2024
To observe Pitru Paksha respectfully, there are a few guidelines to follow. Here are some important dos and don’ts for this 16-day period.

Pitru Paksha Dos

• Perform Shraddha on the Right Day: Ensure Shraddha rituals are performed on the correct tithi (date) corresponding to the ancestors’ death anniversaries.
• Offer Pind Daan: The offering of pind (rice balls mixed with sesame seeds and water) is central to Shraddha. This is believed to nourish the souls of the ancestors and aid them in the afterlife.
• Engage in Spiritual Practices: Reading holy scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana, chanting mantras, and participating in satsangs (spiritual gatherings) is encouraged. This helps create a spiritual atmosphere conducive to honouring ancestors.
• Charity and Donations: Giving food, clothes, or money to the needy is an essential part of Shraddha. Acts of charity are believed to earn merit for the family and provide peace to the departed.
• Maintain Purity: Follow a simple vegetarian diet and avoid alcohol, as this period calls for purity in thought, word, and deed. Simple, spiritual food is believed to connect better with the ancestors.
• Feed the Needy: Hosting a meal for Brahmins or the needy, called "Brahma Bhojan," is an important part of the Shraddha rituals.
• Remember and Honour Your Ancestors: Take time to remember your deceased loved ones and express gratitude for their guidance and blessings.

Pitru Paksha Don’ts

• Avoid Celebrations: Pitru Paksha is a period of solemnity, so celebrations, purchasing new items, or beginning new ventures should be avoided as it is considered inauspicious.
• Refrain from Eating Non-Vegetarian Food: During this period, consuming non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onions is believed to disturb the sanctity of the rituals.
• Avoid Travelling: It is considered best to avoid long journeys during Pitru Paksha, as staying close to home and performing rituals for the ancestors takes precedence.
• Do Not Cut Hair or Nails: Cutting hair or nails during this period is believed to be inauspicious and disrespectful to the observance of Shraddha.
• Stay Away from Negative Behaviour: Anger, arguments, and negative behaviour are believed to disturb the spiritual peace needed for the Shraddha rituals to be effective.

• Tarpan: This involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to the ancestors. It is believed that this ensures their souls receive pure water in the afterlife.
• Pinda Daan: The offering of pind (rice balls made with ghee and sesame seeds) is a core ritual during Pitru Paksha. It is performed to nourish and support the souls of the ancestors in their journey.
• Shraddha Ceremony: Many families conduct elaborate Shraddha ceremonies during Pitru Paksha. These may involve offering food, clothes, and other necessities to Brahmins in memory of the departed.
• Charity: Acts of charity performed during Pitru Paksha are believed to benefit both the living and the departed, bringing blessings to both.
• Fasting: Some observe fasting during Pitru Paksha as a mark of respect for their ancestors, further enhancing the spiritual benefits of the rituals.