Shraadh Paksha also starts from the full moon of Bhadrapad month. Shraadh Paksha is also called Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha lasts from the full moon of Bhadrapad month to Amavasya. In Hinduism, the month of Pitru Paksha is to satisfy the souls of ancestors. In this month, ancestors are remembered. It is believed that performing Shraadh and Pinddaan to ancestors in Pitru Paksha starting from Bhadrapad Purnima brings happiness, prosperity and peace in the family. This year Pitru Paksha is starting from 17th September. Pitru Paksha will end with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 2nd October.
What to do in Shraadh Paksha-
Shraddha Karma (Pind Daan, Tarpan) should be performed only through a capable and learned Brahmin.
In Shraddha Karma, donations are given to Brahmins with full devotion and if you can help any poor or needy person, you get a lot of virtue.
Along with this, a portion of food should also be kept for animals and birds like cows, dogs, crows etc.
If possible, the Shraddha ritual should be performed on the banks of the river Ganga. If this is not possible, it can be performed at home as well.
On the day of Shraddha, Brahmins should be fed. After the meal, satisfy them by giving donations.
Do not perform Shraddha Puja at night. Shraddha is not performed after dusk. Perform Shraddha rituals only after sunrise. Chant mantras with the help of a qualified Brahmin and after the puja, perform tarpan with water. After this, a portion for cows, dogs, crows etc. should be kept aside from the bhog that is being offered. While offering food to them, one should remember one’s ancestors. One should mentally request them to accept the Shraddha.
Materials for Shraddha Puja:
Roli, Sindoor, Small Betel Nut, Raksha Sutra, Rice, Janeu, Camphor, Turmeric, Desi Ghee, Matchstick, Honey, Black Sesame Seeds, Tulsi Leaf, Betel Leaf, Barley, Havan Samagri, Jaggery, Earthen Lamp, Cotton Wick, Incense Stick, Curd, Barley Flour, Ganga Jal, Dates, Banana, White Flowers, Urad, Cow Milk, Ghee, Kheer, Swank Rice, Moong, Sugarcane.
