Pitru Paksha 2024: Do's and Don'ts to follow during Shradh Paksha

Pitru Paksha is going to start from Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha i.e., September 18, 2024. Pitru Paksha days are considered most sacred days as forefathers and ancestors visit on earth and remains here for 16 days. They go back to their Pitru Loka on Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitri Amavasya which is going to be observed on October 2, 2024.

Pitru Paksha 2024 : Significance

Pitru Paksha has its own great importance in Hindu religion. This is a period of 16 days when Pitru or ancestors come on earth and remains here for 16 longs days and then they go back to their loka which is Pitru Loka on the last day of Shradh Paksha, Mahalaya Amavasya. During these days, people offer prayers to their Pitru and honor them by worshipping them. They perform pitru tarpan and even they do pind daan for the unsatisfied deceased souls. This period is considered as the most powerful for performing various puja rituals associated with forefathers only. By performing these religious activities their ancestors get relieved from the cycle of birth and death and they attain salvation.

There are some activities which are prohibited during this period so people are advised to follow some do's and don'ts which we have mentioned here below:

Pitru Paksha 2024 Do's and Don'ts

Do's

1. Perform Puja rituals associated with ancestors such as Pitru Tarpan
2. Those who have Pitru Dosha in their horoscope, they can perform Pind Daan for the salvation of their ancestors.
3. Taking holy bath in Ganga river is considered auspicious.
4. Feeding cows, crows and dogs is considered highly meritorious.
5. Offer food to the needy people is considered rewarding.
6. Invite Brahmins at home and offer them food, clothes and dakshina.
7. Organise Gayatri Paath for the peace of the ancestors.

Don'ts

1. Do not eat any tamasik food items during the period of 16 days.
2. Maintain celibacy during these days as ancestors visit here on earth and it is believed that they visit their home.
3. Buying new clothes, shoes and make up products are prohibited during this period.
4. Don't go in a new home or Griha Pravesh is not suggested as per rules.
5. Do not drink alcohol and do gambling during this period.
6. One should not visit prominent temple such as Jyotirlingas and other spiritual places.
7. Buying jewellery (gold, silver, diamond or any other ornament) is not advised to the people.
8. People should not cut their hair, nails, and avoid shaving also.
9. Do not organise any auspicious event such as Roka ceremony, Engagement ceremony and Marriage also.
10. Avoid starting new business venture or new job.