Pitru Paksha 2023: What to eat and avoid, and rules to follow

In India, culture and religion play an important part in our upbringing. We not only pay respect to our living elders but pay homage to our dead ancestors as well in several ways. And Pitru Paksha is one of those important periods, in which we perform certain rituals that are believed to get our dead ancestors peace and moksha (also known as liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth).It is believed that during this period, the dead ancestors visit their near and dear ones to accept the various food offerings.
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Starting from Bhadrapada Purnima, Pitru Paksha is a period of 16 days and ends on Mahalaya Amavasya. During this period people perform rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan for their dead ancestors in which, food and water play an important role as they are said to satisfy their souls. This year, the Pitru Paksha starts from 29 September and ends on October 14. The Shraddha period is said to be extremely inauspicious in the Hindu religion, as we perform the death rites. Those who perform these rituals are often advised to observe the strict rules of Pitru Paksha and perform them in a proper manner.

When it comes to food, there is a whole list which should be completely avoided while following the other rules. Here are some of the foods that are said to be banned during this period:
Needlessly, one should completely avoid non-vegetarian food, eggs and alcohol. However, during the Pitru Paksha, there are certain foods that the person performing these rituals must avoid such as: Chickpeas, black chana, masoor dal, black urad dal, black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, black salt, bitter gourd and cucumber, mustard greens etc. Along with these, any Tamasic food must be avoided during this period that includes - onion, garlic, and brinjals. Not just these, but there are some common foods that must be avoided like rice, wheat, chana sattu, potatoes, colocasia (arbi) and radish. It is also advised to avoid the consumption of Paan, Supari and tobacco. Also, it is extremely important to avoid consuming any stale food during this period.

During the Pitru Paksha, the person performing these rites should make sure to consume only the Sattvik diet, as that helps attain mental peace and spiritual growth. Eating a Tamasic or Rajasic diet hinders mental balance and spiritual growth. Make sure to consume lots of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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As this period is considered extremely inauspicious, it is suggested by the scriptures to avoid the beginning of any new work or start any auspicious activity such as marriage, buying new items for home or for yourself, or even purchasing vehicles. One must completely avoid cutting their hair and nails during this period. What is interesting to note is that the rituals must not be performed in any iron vessel. It is suggested in the scriptures that only four types of metals are good for performing such rituals - gold, silver, bronze and copper. Any animal/stranger coming to your home must not go back hungry/thirsty and must not be disrespected. Make sure to provide enough food or water to those in need. Also, extreme measures should be taken not to hurt any individual or animal. It is also written in the scriptures that one should pay extra care towards cows, dogs, ants, crows and brahmins.