In 2021, Shradh paksha (also known as Pitru Paksha) begins on September 20 Monday and ends on October 6 Wednesday, according to the Hindu calendar. Shradh is a ceremony done by offspring or relatives of deceased ancestors to ensure the soul’s serenity.

Our forefathers and mothers are very precious to us since our lives are built on the foundation of their sacrifice. Pitru Paksha is a particular time of year when Hindus honor their ancestors by conducting a few rituals and abstaining from certain activities. The souls of our ancestors are said to come to earth in the form of energies during Bhadrapada Maas, which lasts 16 days from Purnima to Amavasya. These energies can influence our life by their objectives.

Pitru Paksha is the most ideal period for our ancestors who have passed away. One of the techniques of achieving mukti, or salvation, is to keep them pleased by different good actions.

It is thought that at this time, the energy of our forefathers and mothers surrounds us and blesses us. This is why there are certain things to remember throughout the Shradh time. During this period, there are a few easy guidelines to observe.

1.  Avoid consuming grains, non-vegetarian meals, garlic, onion, and outside food during Pitru Paksha. Eat only satvik meals prepared at home. Brinjal should not be cooked or eaten.
2. In Shradh cuisine, don’t use masoor, kali urad, chana, black jeera, black salt, black mustard, or any other unclean or stale food product.
3. Avoid using old or rotten foods for Brahmins. 
4. It is not permissible for the person doing Shradh rites to clip his nails.
5. He should not shave or trim his hair.
6. He should not dress in unclean clothing.
7. While completing Shradh rites, he should refrain from wearing leather-made items like belts, wallets, or footwear.
8. Never take a break from completing Shradh rites and singing mantras to chat with someone. It has the potential to draw in bad energy.
9. During Shradh, addiction undermines your good actions and donations. People chew tobacco, smoke cigarettes, and drink alcohol on a regular basis. Don’t engage in such nefarious activities. It obstructs the positive outcomes of Shradh karma.
10.  These few days aren’t considered the best in terms of love. Try avoiding disputes with your partner, or getting into a new relationship. 
11. Make no physical contact with others. Be in a state of celibacy.
12.  Don’t utter falsehoods, curse people, or use harsh language.
13.  If at all possible, avoid wearing slippers in the house for the whole 16-day period.
14.  For Shradh pooja and rituals, avoid utilizing black or crimson flowers, as well as flowers that are very perfumed or odorless.
15. The giving of an ancestor’s body is associated with black sesame. As a result, for Shraddha Karma, a black mole should be employed. 
16.  It is also forbidden for the person conducting Shradh ceremonies to eat often on the day of Shradh.
17.  Some foods, such as gram, lentils, cumin, black salt, gourd and cucumber, mustard greens, and others, are deemed banned in Pitru Paksha.
18.  For ceremonies, avoid using iron utensils. To appease your ancestors, use gold, silver, copper, or bronze utensils instead.
19.  Iron should not be used in any form of seating. Seating made of silk, wool, wood, and other materials can be used.
20.  It is recommended that you do not wear or purchase new clothing during this period.
21.  During this fortnight, avoid moving into a new house, starting a new business or enterprise, or celebrating birthdays, among other things.
22.  During this time, don’t bring home any new materialistic items, such as a new automobile.
23.  It is not recommended to conduct Shradh Karma in the evening, night, morning, or dusk.
24.  On Shradh day, avoid washing your clothes.
25.  Lastly, do not perform any auspicious tasks during Pitru Paksha days. 

If one is unable to conduct the Hindu shraddha Ceremony’s appropriate rites due to a lack of time or other unforeseen circumstances, one might just sprinkle sesame seeds into running water and subsequently serve sesame to Brahmanas. This is seen as a good act. Cows, dogs, and birds are among the animals fed. 

Following the offerings, the event concludes with the Brahmanas being shown hospitality and receiving Dakshina (fees). There are many individuals in the community such as funeral service providers who can easily assist you in performing all the rituals of Shraddha.

Remember that, pleasing Brahmins, the animals, as well as the poor and needy can make the departed soul happy!

Following the offerings, the event concludes with the Brahmanas being shown hospitality and receiving Dakshina (fees). There are many individuals in the community such as funeral service providers who can easily assist you in performing all the rituals of Shraddha.

the event concludes with the Brahmanas being shown hospitality and receiving Dakshina (fees). There are many individuals in the community such as funeral service providers who can easily assist you in performing all the rituals of Shraddha.