Pitru Paksha 2024: Do's and don'ts to keep in mind for 16-days during Shradh

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh, is a sacred 16-day period dedicated to paying respect and homage to ancestors. In 2024, Pitru Paksha begins on September 17, 2024, and ends on October 2, 2024, with the observance of Mahalaya Amavasya. This period, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, offers families a chance to honour their forefathers through various rituals and ceremonies.

Pitru Paksha Start and End Date 2024

Pitru Paksha 2024 begins on September 17, on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha, in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The 16-day period concludes on October 2, 2024, with Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. During this period, families abstain from auspicious activities like marriages, buying new things, or starting new ventures, as they are considered inauspicious.

Pitru Paksha 2024: Do's to Follow

Tarpan

Tarpan is the ritual of offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to the ancestors. This ensures that they receive clean water in the afterlife. It is an important practice during Pitru Paksha 2024.

Pinda Daan

Pinda Daan involves offering rice balls cooked with ghee and sesame seeds to nourish the ancestors' souls and support their journey in the afterlife. It¡¯s a core ritual of Pitru Paksha.

Shradh Ceremony

Families may conduct elaborate Shradh ceremonies, offering food, clothes, and other items to Brahmins or priests. This charity is performed in memory of the deceased, and it holds great importance during Pitru Paksha 2024.

Donations and Charity

Performing acts of charity in the name of ancestors is believed to earn merit. Donations to the poor and needy help the living and bring blessings to the departed souls.

Visiting Ancestral Sites

During Pitru Paksha 2024, many visit ancestral villages, homes, or burial sites to pay their respects and perform rituals. It¡¯s a way to reconnect with family roots and show reverence to those who have passed.

Fasting

Some people observe fasting during this sacred period as a mark of respect for their ancestors. It¡¯s believed that such abstinence further helps in seeking blessings and peace from the ancestors.

Pitru Paksha 2024: Don¡¯ts to Keep in Mind

Avoid Cutting Nails and Hair

During Pitru Paksha 2024, it is advised not to cut nails or hair. These actions are seen as disrespectful when performing the Shradh rituals.

No Shradh in the Evening

Shradh rituals must not be performed in the evening or at night. It is traditionally believed that performing rituals during this time may disrupt the peace of the souls.

Avoid Iron Utensils

Using iron utensils during Pitru Paksha is forbidden. Instead, use copper or brass utensils for cooking and offering food during this sacred period.

Restrictions on Certain Foods

During Pitru Paksha 2024, avoid consuming foods such as gourd, cucumber, lentils, cumin, black salt, and mustard greens. These are traditionally considered inauspicious during Shradh.

No New Clothes or Properties

Buying new clothes, acquiring property, or purchasing luxury items during Pitru Paksha is considered inauspicious. These activities should be postponed until after Pitru Paksha 2024.

Abstinence from Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol

Consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco during Pitru Paksha is strictly prohibited. These indulgences can hinder the rituals and are viewed as disrespectful to the ancestors.

Avoid New Ventures

Engaging in new ventures, such as buying new jewelry or starting significant projects, should be avoided during this time, as it is believed to disturb the peace of the ancestors.

By adhering to these dos and don¡¯ts, families ensure that the rituals are carried out correctly, bringing peace to their ancestors while receiving blessings for themselves. Following the guidelines during Pitru Paksha 2024, help families honour their heritage, seek ancestral blessings, and relieve ancestral curses through proper rituals and respect.

Historical Importance of Pitru Paksha

Ancient texts like the Garuda Purana and Agni Purana explain that after death, the soul undergoes hardships in the afterlife. The rituals during Pitru Paksha help wandering souls find peace. It is believed that the souls of the last three generations reside in Pitru Lok, a realm overseen by Yama, the god of death. When Shradh rituals are performed, it ensure their transition to Heaven, bringing satisfaction and peace to these souls.

If these rituals are not performed, it is said that the souls remain restless and unsatisfied, which could impact the living descendants. Offering Shradh ensures they are nourished and receive offerings that bring them peace. In return, ancestors bless their families with prosperity, happiness, and protection.

Significance of Pitru Paksha 2024

Pitru Paksha 2024 holds deep religious and spiritual importance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this period, the souls of ancestors visit Earth, and their descendants perform Shradh rituals to provide peace and sustenance to them. Through these rituals, families seek blessings and relief from any ancestral curses, often referred to as Pitru Dosha. Special Pitru Dosha pujas are conducted to mitigate this dosha and ensure the well-being of families.