Pitru Paksha Rules: What to Do, What to Avoid (Simple Checklist)

Pitru Paksha rules help you plan a peaceful Shraddha with clarity; this practical guide of dos and don’ts explains exactly what to do in Pitru Paksha and what to avoid, covering timings, minimal puja items, satvik food, and quiet etiquette so the rites stay simple, respectful, and calm; keep phones away, maintain silence, follow family tradition or your purohit’s advice for the correct tithi and method, choose eco-friendly reusables instead of plastic, share annadana thoughtfully, and use the sections below to apply the essential Pitru Paksha dos and don’ts without confusion.

Customs vary by community; when unsure, defer to your family purohit’s guidance.

What is Pitru Paksha? A 15-day lunar period (the Krishna Paksha) dedicated to remembering and honoring one’s ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpana, and simple offerings performed with sincerity and gratitude.

What to Do During Pitru Paksha: The Core Rules

• Perform Shraddha and Tarpanam: Offer water (tarpana) and simple food (pinda/naivedya) with sincerity. Prioritize the ancestor’s tithi (death-anniversary lunar day); if unknown, observe on the designated Mahalaya day.
• Prepare Sattvic Food: Cook a fresh, home-made vegetarian meal. Avoid onion, garlic, eggs, and all non-vegetarian items. Keep spices mild; serve warm and respectfully.
• Offer Food to the Right Recipients: First offer a portion to crows (traditionally symbolic of ancestors). Also feed cows, dogs, and share with the needy or Brahmins. Feed with humility; avoid waste.
• Chant Mantras: Recite calmly—such as the Gayatri Mantra or “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”—or your lineage mantras. Sit steady, breathe evenly, and keep the mind focused.
• Observe Celibacy: Maintain brahmacharya on the observance day to support discipline and a devotional mindset.
• Respect the Rituals: Bathe before rites, wear modest clean clothing, keep the space tidy, and perform every step with genuine devotion and a clear heart.

Practices vary by family and tradition; follow your purohit’s guidance for items and timings.

What to Avoid During Pitru Paksha: The Don’t’s

• Avoid auspicious events: Postpone weddings, housewarming ceremonies (griha pravesh), engagement parties, and similar celebrations. This period is meant for reflection and remembrance, not festivity.
• Avoid major purchases: Traditionally, buying new clothes, jewellery, vehicles, or making big luxury spends is deferred until after Pitru Paksha.
• Do not perform Shraddha for the living: Shraddha and Tarpana are only for departed family members. They are not performed for anyone who is alive.
• Avoid cutting hair and shaving: Refrain from trimming hair, shaving, or clipping nails during this observance; resume grooming after Mahalaya ends.
• No alcohol or tobacco: Strictly avoid intoxicants (alcohol, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.) to maintain purity and discipline.
• No non-vegetarian food, onion, or garlic: Stick to simple, sattvic meals. Avoid meat, fish, eggs, onion, and garlic throughout the observance.

Customs can vary by lineage and region. If unsure, follow your family tradition or consult your purohit.

Pitrupakshan Events

During Pitru Paksha (pitrupakshan), families often ask how to handle real-life events that fall in the fortnight. Use these quick notes to keep the mood reverent and your Pitru Paksha rules intact while staying practical.

• Pitru Paksha and Death: If a bereavement occurs, immediate rites (antyeshti) take priority. Keep the home quiet and sattvic; postpone celebrations. Perform Shraddha for the departed as guided by your purohit—timing may differ from the usual tithi. Do: maintain discipline, simple food, and prayers. Don’t: host functions, play loud music, or share intrusive photos.
• Pitru Paksha and Marriage: Weddings are generally avoided in this period. If legally unavoidable, some families do a minimal registration now and hold the religious ceremony and reception after Mahalaya. Keep attire and decor simple; skip bands, fireworks, and loud celebration.
• Pitru Paksha and Purchase: Many defer buying vehicles, jewellery, or major appliances. If essential, make a token booking and take delivery later, or keep it low-key and do griha/vastra puja after the fortnight. Avoid “auspicious launch” ceremonies during these days.
• Pitru Paksha and Housewarming/Naming: Griha Pravesh, Namakarana, baby showers and similar mangal functions are usually postponed. If you must move for practical reasons, do a basic entry without ritual pomp and complete the formal ceremony after Pitru Paksha.
• Pitru Paksha and Travel/Parties: Keep entertainment and parties off the calendar. Work travel is fine—carry a minimal kit for Tarpanam if needed and observe Shraddha quietly on the tithi. Do: choose calm lodging and simple meals. Don’t: schedule loud gatherings.
• Pitru Paksha and Personal Conduct: Maintain celibacy and restraint; avoid hair/nail cutting, alcohol, tobacco, non-veg, onion and garlic. Keep TV/music low or off during rites, and dress modestly. The aim is a clean heart and focused, prayerful atmosphere.

Customs vary by lineage and region. When in doubt, follow your family tradition or your purohit’s advice.

When Pitru Paksha Falls Each Year

Every year, Pitru Paksha occurs during the Krishna Paksha (waning fortnight) of the lunar month Bhadrapada (called Ashwin in some traditions). In the Gregorian calendar this usually spans mid-September to early October. It begins the day after the full moon (Purnima) and ends on the new moon (Sarvapitri Amavasya / Mahalaya).

Note: Names of months and exact start/end days can vary by region (Amanta vs. Purnimanta systems) and by sunrise at your location. Follow your family purohit’s guidance for final dates.

Shraddha Tithi Guide

Quick idea: Match each ancestor’s lunar death day (tithi) within Pitru Paksha. If the tithi is unknown or missed, observe on Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya). Keep the setup simple and sincere.

Tip: Traditions vary; when in doubt, confirm the tithi and method with your family purohit.

This guide is general. Always align final dates and procedures with your family tradition and purohit’s advice.

Keep Pitru Paksha Simple, Sattvic, and Sincere

Pitru Paksha is a fortnight of reverence—not sorrow. Follow the Pitru Paksha rules as gentle guidelines: perform Shraddha and Tarpanam on the correct tithi, offer sattvic food first, keep the home calm, and avoid celebrations and distractions. If a tithi is unknown or missed, conclude with Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya). Choose eco-friendly items, dress modestly, maintain discipline and humility, and align details with your family tradition or purohit’s advice.

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