Pitru Paksha 2021: Know the dates and other details

Every year Pitru Paksha is observed by the followers of Hindu religion. Many rituals and practices are performed by people for the peace of the soul of their ancestors. For the salvation of the ancestors, food and water (tarpan) is offered during Pitru Paksha. As per the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha is a 16–day lunar period spanning over the months of Bhadrapada and Ashwin. This year, Pitru Paksha will be observed from September 20 to October 6. During this period, Hindus recognize their ancestors and perform rituals like - 'Tarpan', 'Pind Daan' and 'Shradh'.

As per belief, the observance of Pitru Paksha, brings the blessings of ancestors to get success, happiness and prosperity. Various holy books of Hinduism have described the mistakes that are must to be avoided during the Pitru Paksha period. 

- Only Vegetarian food or sattvik aahar should be consumed. The consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol during the 16-days lunar period, may upset the departed soul and most likely it brings trouble. 

- The member who performs the rituals of 'Shradh' during Pitru Paksha should not cut hair and nails during the 16-day lunar period. S/he should also follow celibacy. 

- Shradh rituals should be performed before the sunset. As per Hindu texts, it is considered highly inauspicious to perform Shradh after sunset.

- It is believed that ancestors come to meet you in the form of animals and birds. You should give food to cows and crows during this period.

- In this period, it is considered auspicious to eat on the leaf and feed Brahmins on the leaf.

- Any auspicious work like marriage, engagement should be postponed as it is inauspicious to perform these works during Pitru Paksha. People should also avoid buying any new things during this period.