Pitru Paksha 2024: Pitru Paksha began on September 17 and will last until October 2. It holds special significance in Hinduism, as people indulge in worships to receive the blessings of ancestors during this time. Respect and reverence for ancestors are expressed during Pitru Paksha, which lasts for about 16 days. 


Pitru Paksha starts from the full moon of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month and ends on the new moon of the Ashwin month. According to scriptures, the Shradha period begins on the full moon of the Bhadra month and continues until the new moon of the Ashwin month. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, Yama, the god of death, frees the ancestors so they can receive offerings from their descendants. It is also believed that performing rituals during Pitru Paksha brings blessings from the ancestors.


Shradh, Pind Daan, And Tarpan


Astrologers explained that during Pitru Paksha, deceased ancestors are reverently remembered, which is called Shraddh. Performing Pind Daan means offering food to the ancestors, while Tarpan refers to the offering of water. These three acts hold great significance during Pitru Paksha. 


During this time, it is recommended to donate green fodder and money for the care of cows at a cow shelter. You can also feed fish in a pond using dough balls, provide bread to dogs around your home, and keep food for crows on your rooftop. Additionally, feeding those in need and offering worship materials at a temple is encouraged. Reading the Bhagavad Gita during these days is also advisable.


Five Portions Of Food


It is believed that during this time, our ancestors come to Earth to bless us. Performing Shradh for our ancestors during Pitru Paksha is considered very important. Our ancestors approach us through animals and birds, and they receive their offerings through cows, dogs, crows, and ants.


During the Shradh ceremony, a portion of food is set aside for the ancestors, completing the ritual. Five portions of food are dedicated to the ancestors: for the cow, dog, ant, crow, and deities.


The dog symbolises the water element, the ant represents the fire element, the crow stands for the air element, the cow signifies the earth element, and the deities symbolise the sky element. By offering food to these five, we express gratitude to the five elements. The cow uniquely embodies all five elements, making its service particularly fruitful during Pitru Paksha.


Donate These Items - 



  • Donation of Cow - From a religious perspective, donating a cow is considered the most superior of all donations. However, a cow donated during Pitru Paksha is believed to bestow all happiness and wealth.

  • Donation of Sesame Seeds - Sesame seeds hold significant importance in every Shradh ritual. Similarly, donating black sesame seeds during Shradh is believed to protect against difficulties and calamities.

  • Donation of Ghee - Offering cow's ghee in a container during Shradh is considered auspicious and beneficial for the family.

  • Donation of Grains - During the donation of food, one should ideally donate wheat and rice. In their absence, any other grain can also be donated. This donation, when made with a heartfelt intention, brings desired results.

  • Donation of Land - If you are financially well-off, donating land to a needy or poor person during Pitru Paksha brings wealth and benefits related to offspring. However, if this is not possible, you can offer some pieces of soil in place of land by placing them on a plate and donating them to a Brahmin.

  • Donation of Clothes - The donation of clothes is significant, particularly including a dhoti and a dupatta. These garments should be new and clean.

  • Donation of Gold - Donating gold is said to eliminate conflicts. However, if donating gold is not feasible, one can also donate money according to their ability in place of gold.

  • Donation of Silver - Donating silver is considered highly effective for receiving blessings and satisfaction from the ancestors.

  • Donation of Jaggery - Donating jaggery is believed to eliminate conflicts and poverty, bringing wealth and happiness through the blessings of ancestors.

  • Donation of Salt - Donating salt holds great significance for pleasing the ancestors.


[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]