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1. Significance of Pitru Paksha
- Pitru Paksha (Shraddha fortnight) is the sacred 16-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors.
- Performing tarpan (water oblations) and shraddha (food offerings) helps express gratitude, repay karmic debts, and invite blessings for peace, health, and prosperity.
- Pitru Paksha is a sacred time to honor our ancestors with Shraddha—acts of deep faith and sincerity.
- It is believed that during these 16 days, our ancestors descend to bless us with health, wisdom, prosperity, and longevity, guiding us closer to moksha (liberation).
- Every lunar day connects with a form of Lord Ganesha, the bridge to our past lives and ancestral lineage. By invoking Him, we strengthen our roots and receive the powerful blessings of our Pitrus.
- Remember your roots. Honor your lineage. Receive their grace.
2. Daily Observances During Pitru Paksha
(a) Personal Conduct- advisable
- Wake up early (preferably at sunrise).
- Take a bath before performing rituals.
- Maintain cleanliness and avoid unnecessary anger, gossip, or indulgence.
- Observe satvik lifestyle (pure diet, simple living).
(b) Food Rules- In general
- Cook fresh food daily.
- Meals should be simple, vegetarian, and satvik (no onion, garlic, meat, alcohol).
- Reserve a portion for ancestors before eating.
- Donate pumpkins, eat pumpkins in these 15 days.
- Feed crows, cows, dogs, and needy people—this is seen as feeding the Pitrs indirectly.
- When it comes to food the family traditions will take priority. So if your family eats meat and uses meat for naivedyam/ prasad please follow that.
3. Tarpana Ritual – Stepwise
Pitru Paksha gently reminds us of the invisible debts we owe to our ancestors, urging us to recognize their presence and honor their guiding influence. It is believed that in these 16 powerful days, our ancestors descend to earth, eager to shower us with love, guidance, and blessings. Tarpana is way to achieve this for the blessings of ancestors and their sadgati.
Materials Needed
- Vessel with water (preferably copper or silver)
- Spoon
- Black sesame seeds
- Darbha grass (if available)
- Rice and flowers (optional)
Procedure
- Sankalpam (Vow): State your intent to perform Tarpan for ancestors during Pitru Paksha.
- Offerings Sequence:
- Devas: “Om Devāḥ Tṛpyantām” (water from 4 fingertips).
- Saptarshis: “Om Saptarṣayaḥ Tṛpyantām” (water from 4 fingertips).
- Rishis & Divine Beings: “Om Ṛṣayo Divya Manuṣyāḥ Tṛpyantām” (2 times, water from little finger side).
- Pitrs (Ancestors): “Om Pitaraḥ Tṛpyantām Tebhyaḥ Svadhā Namaḥ” (3 times, water from between thumb & index finger).
- Gratitude Pause: Sit silently, imagining blessings from the ancestors.
- One can dispose of the sesame seeds and water at the base of a tree or plant.
4. Shraddha Ritual (Food Offering)
- Prepare pindas (rice balls mixed with sesame seeds, ghee, and honey).
- Offer pindas along with water, darbha grass, and flowers, reciting mantras for ancestors.
- After offering, feed the pindas to cows, crows, ants, or immerse in water.
5. What not to do during Pitru Paksha? Do’s and Don’ts – based on family traditions
Do’s
✔ Perform Tarpan/Shraddha with sincerity and calmness.
✔ Feed Brahmins, poor people, or animals.
✔ Observe charity—donate clothes, food, and essentials.
✔ Remember ancestors with gratitude, recalling their names if possible.
Don’ts
✘ Avoid eating meat, alcohol, onion, garlic.
✘ Do not cut hair or shave during Pitru Paksha.
✘ Avoid new purchases, housewarming, marriages, or major celebrations – if have to be done seek blessings of ancestors and go ahead.
✘ Don’t disrespect elders or ignore family traditions.
Try to follow this as much as you can but do Follow your family traditions for this do and don’t s.
6. Conclusion of Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya Amavasya)
- The last day is the most important (Sarvapitri Amavasya).
- Even if individual tithis were missed, performing Tarpan/Shraddha on this day satisfies all ancestors.
- Special prayers for peace and liberation (moksha) are offered.
Whenever I am doing astrology readings and see something particular with Rahu Ketu placement I have given this pitri related ritual to the native and they have got great results in terms of peace of mind and joy that was missing – came back. The Tarpanam is a tried and tested remedy. Do follow this guide and do it for your own benefit.
This guide now covers:
- Daily discipline
- Stepwise Tarpan procedure
- Shraddha rituals
- Do’s & Don’ts
- Importance of the last day
Can girls Do Tarpan for their ancestors? Read here more
