Pitru Paksha, the period of ancestor worship, is currently underway and will last until October 10th. During these sacred days, the tradition of performing Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pindadana for ancestors is observed. After performing Shraddha during Pitru Paksha, it is customary to offer food to Brahmins. Additionally, animals such as cows, crows, ants, and dogs are fed. The prasad prepared during Shraddha can be offered to family members, relatives, neighbors, or a sadhu who comes to the doorstep.
However, there is a question regarding which people should not be offered food prepared for Shraddha. According to the Markandeya Purana, food prepared for Shraddha should never be given to unrighteous people. Such people include those who engage in deceit, theft, or cause harm to others for personal gain. Those who neglect their parents and teachers or disrespect the elderly are also considered unrighteous.
The sacred texts also describe categories of people who must be offered food for Shraddha. To those who do not hesitate to accept food for Shraddha, it should never be refused. Furthermore, travelers, ascetics, and guests who arrive at the home uninvited must be fed. Offering food to the needy, poor, and hungry brings great deserved blessings, so this practice should not be limited only to Brahmins or priests.
When preparing food for Shraddha, not only the character of the person but also the method of preparation is important. Clean water and high-quality ingredients must be used, and proper hygiene must be ensured. The use of Tamasic foods, including garlic, onion, and asafoetida, is strictly prohibited.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Calendar:
- Purnimashahi Shraddha: September 26, 2026, Saturday
- Pratipada Shraddha Date: September 27, 2026, Sunday
- Shraddha Dwitiya: September 28, 2026, Monday
- Shraddha Tritiya: September 29, 2026, Tuesday
- Shraddha Chaturthi and Panchami: September 30, 2026, Wednesday
- Shraddha Shashti: October 1, 2026, Thursday
- Shraddha Saptami: October 2, 2026, Friday
- Shraddha Ashtami: October 3, 2026, Saturday
- Shraddha Navami: October 4, 2026, Sunday
- Shraddha Dashami: October 5, 2026, Monday
- Shraddha Ekadashi: October 6, 2026, Tuesday
- Shraddha Dwadashi: October 7, 2026, Wednesday
- Shraddha Magha: October 7, 2026, Wednesday
- Shraddha Tritodashi: October 8, 2026, Thursday
- Shraddha Chaturdashi: October 9, 2026, Friday
- Sarvapitri Amavasya: October 10, 2026, Saturday