Pitra Paksha: How to perform Shraddh, what to do and what not to
Quick answer: Pitra Paksha is 15 days from Bhadrapad Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya. During these days, Shraddh, tarpan and pind daan are performed for the peace of ancestors. By tradition, ancestors return to earth during this period and bless their family. Shraddh is performed on the death anniversary of the ancestor or on Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya).
At a glance
- Duration
- 15 days (Bhadrapad Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya)
- Key day
- Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya)
- Rituals
- Tarpan, pind daan, Brahmin feast
- Food
- Kheer, puri, vegetables, with sesame seeds
- Avoid
- Meat, alcohol, brinjal, onion-garlic (in shraddh food)
Simple tarpan method at home
- Bathe in the morning and wear clean white or yellow clothes.
- Sit facing east or south.
- Fill a copper vessel with water, black sesame seeds, barley and kusha grass (or tulsi).
- Taking the ancestor's name, offer water three times — 'Amukanam pitri/matri triptayatam idam tilodakam te'.
- Feed a Brahmin or donate food to the poor.
- Also offer food to a cow, a dog and a crow — they are considered symbols of the ancestors.
What to do during Pitra Paksha
- Donate in memory of ancestors — grain, clothes, water.
- Keep the home clean and light tulsi incense.
- Maintain harmony in the family.
- Visit a temple and perform pitra tarpan.
What not to do during Pitra Paksha
- Do not buy new things — house, vehicle, gold (by tradition).
- Do not perform auspicious events — marriage, housewarming, new business.
- Do not use meat, brinjal or onion-garlic in shraddh food.
- Avoid lying, quarrelling and anger.
A priest is not essential for Shraddh — a simple tarpan can be done at home too. Shraddh at Gaya, Haridwar and Prayagraj is considered especially fruitful.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pitra Paksha?
Pitra Paksha is 15 days every year from Bhadrapad Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya (Mahalaya). It falls in September-October.
Why is food given to crows during Shraddh?
By tradition, the crow is considered a symbol of ancestors. Feeding a crow is believed to reach the food to the departed souls.
Can Shraddh be performed at home?
Yes, a simple tarpan can be performed at home. Adding water, sesame seeds and kusha grass to a copper vessel and offering water while taking the ancestor's name is tarpan.