Pitru Paksha 2024: Whose Shraddha will be performed on the first day of Pitru Paksha? Know the methods and rules of Shraddha Karma

Pitrupacha 2024: Pitrapaksha takes place from the Pratipada date of Ashwin Krishna Paksha to Amavasya. During the fortnight of Pitru Paksha, people remember their ancestors. We express our gratitude for the help they have given us. During this whole period, special changes must be made in eating habits, behavior and conduct. It is forbidden to do new and auspicious work. This Pitru Paksha will last from September 17 to October 2. Today, the first Shraddha will be held in Pitru Paksha.

Whose Shraddha is performed on the first day?
The first Shraddha in Pitripaksha is the Shraddha on the Pratipada date. This Shraddha is performed for the ancestors who passed away on the Pratipada date in the Hindu calendar. On this day, Tarpan and Pind Daan are offered to the ancestors. The Shraddha ritual is performed with the help of the Pandit or priest. The family members pray for the peace of the ancestor’s soul and pay respects to the ancestors. A Brahman feast is also offered as well as food and donations to the poor in the Shraddha.

Shraddha
On this day, people who perform Shraddha take an oath to perform Shraddha by reciting the names of gods, goddesses, saints and ancestors. Here, black sesame seeds are mixed with water and offered to the ancestors. This process is called tarpan. This is done three times. Then a ball is made with rice and offered to the ancestors. This process is considered important and it satisfies the spirits of the ancestors. At the end of the Shraddha ceremony, the Brahmins are given food, clothes, food, sesame seeds and other donations. It is considered more important than Pind Daan as the Brahmins are considered to be the representatives of the ancestors.

Who in the family can perform Shraddha?
The elder male member of the family can perform tarpan every day. In his absence, any male member of the family can do it. Grandsons and grandchildren are also entitled to perform tarpan and shraddha. Currently, women can also perform tarpan and shraddha. During this period, bathing twice is mandatory to remember the ancestors. Offerings are made to the ancestors during Kutap Vela. Tapan has a special significance during this period.

Important Rules of Pitru Paksha
There is a custom of performing ancestral worship according to the date of Pitru Paksha. Any family member who observes Pitru Paksha or performs ancestral Shraddha should consume only one type of Vela Satvik food during this period, avoiding onions, garlic, meat and alcohol. Use milk as little as possible.

White, fragrant flowers should be offered to the ancestors. Flowers with pungent smell are prohibited. Tarpan and pinda should be donated to the ancestors facing south. Recite Bhagavad Gita every day during Pitru Paksha. One should never perform Shraddha by borrowing money or under pressure.