PITRIGAN are our ancestors, who are no longer alive and are residing in the PITRILOK based on their karmas performed on earth. We serve the SHRADH of the person on the same day of the Hindu Calendar they had left for their heavenly abode. Suppose we cannot follow the Hindu Calendar days for the SHRADH. In that case, we can perform a common SHRADH on the last day of the PRATIPAKSH, i.e., AMAVASYA of Ashwin month. All 15 days of PITRU PAKSHA are like the no-moon day. Ideally, the eldest member of the family should perform the SHRADH. If this is not possible, then any family member can perform SHRADH.

Specific rules need to be followed during these special 15 days:

1. Do not start with anything new during this period.

2. No marriages can be performed.

3. Houses cannot be constructed.

4. Quit non-vegetarian food and alcohol.

5. Prohibit doing such activities as, Shaving, chopping down your hair and cutting down your nails.

6. It is inauspicious to buy a new vehicle or house.

What should be done?

One must visit a place of pilgrimage and perform PIND DAAN and TARPAN for one’s ancestors. Invite a BRAHMIN to your location and offer him food, clothes, sweets and DAKSHINA (Monetary gift). When the PITRs see a BRAHMIN fed at home, they feel contented, and the aroma of the food cooked in the house that day quenches their hunger. Fresh food must be served, and the ritual must be performed in silence and avoid asking the BRAHMIN about the food quality. If the food is not pure, the ancestors get angry.

Also, it is said that those who don’t perform these activities during Shradh Paksha have to face the curse and anger of ancestors or Pitra resulting in Pitra Dosh on their family.

What is Pehowa?

Pehowa is a town on the banks of river Sarasvati. IF PITRI TARPAN is done on the banks of river Sarasvati, the PITRs have blessed a million folds. For ages, PITRI TARPAN has been performed in Pehowa on the banks of river Sarasvati. PITRs bless us with a happy and prosperous family.

Lakhs of devotees visit some prominent places, especially during Shradh Paksha. These places are Gaya, Nasik, Ujjain, Varanasi and Haridwar.

It is said that if PITRs are delighted with us, GOD is also pleased. Therefore, all Hindus must perform the SHRADH with great devotion and true intent.

Once these days are over, there will be a lot many miles to go before we rest. Navratri will begin from 26th October. So, we must gear up to welcome the Goddess. Our ancestors have taken our message to the Goddess of energy and divinity, and she is ready to help us by all means.

Edit by Ayushi mittal