Our country is a land of diverse rituals, traditions and cultures. The period of Pitru Paksha starts after bidding farewell to Lord Ganpati on Anant Chaturdashi with the promise of him coming back the next year to celebrate the Ganesha Utsav.
In 2021, Pitru Paksha Shraddha has started on September 20, 2021 (Purnima Shraddha), and will run till October 6, 2021 (Sarva Pitru Amavsaya). This period is the time when the Shradhha rituals of all those who left this world are performed. The death of anybody causes so much pain, but the belief is that the body dies and the soul exists. It is said that during this period, by offering food to the Brahmins or needy people and performing Tarpan, the souls of our dead ancestors have got peace, and they bestow their blessings on the family. It is believed that if we worship our ancestors, then Gods are pleased with the same.
Some of the important rules to follow are avoiding garlic, onion, and non-veg food and not cooking eggs during this period. Avoid drinking alcohol during this period as it will lead to the end of good deeds. If one is performing Shraddha of their ancestors, then avoid cutting nails and beard on this day. Moreover, one should not wear new clothes and untidy clothes during the Shradhha period. It is always advisable to perform Shradhha in the early morning and avoid doing Puja in the night, evening and afternoon.