Sarvapitri Amavasya 2026: What to do if crow does not come to eat food during Shraddha, right option and special rule of Panchbali

In Sanatan Dharma, Amavasya date of Ashwin month has special and extremely sacred significance. on this date Sarvapitru Amavasya (Sarvapitru Amavasya 2026) Or known as Mahalaya Amavasya. This is the last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, on which Shraddha and Tarpan is performed for all those ancestors whose date of death is not remembered by the family members or who are deprived of the entire Paksha due to some reason.

According to religious beliefs, on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya, special food is taken out for the peace and satisfaction of the souls of the ancestors and food is offered to the Brahmins as well as to various living beings. But many times people face the dilemma that despite keeping the Shraddha food outside, the crow does not come to eat it. In such a situation, many kinds of doubts begin to arise in the mind as to whether the ancestors are angry? Let us know what should be done in this situation according to the scriptures.

Crows in Sanatan tradition and folk beliefs representative or bearer of ancestors It is assumed. There is a deep religious belief that the food consumed by crows directly reaches our ancestors and forefathers.

This is the reason that as soon as the Shraddha ritual is completed, a portion of food for the crows is taken out separately on the terrace or in an open place. This is a very ancient and important tradition of satisfying the souls of ancestors, which is followed even today with full rituals.

If on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya or any Shraddha, a crow is not seen nearby or it does not come to take food, then there is no need to panic or consider the ritual incomplete. For this, very simple options have been mentioned in the scriptures and astrological rules:

• Feeding the Cow: In Hindu religion, cow is considered the abode of mother and all gods and goddesses. If a crow is not found, then that part of the Shraddha food should be respectfully fed to the cow.

• Food for dogs or ants: A portion of the food can be fed to a black dog or kept near an ant hole. This is also considered a way to reach the ancestors.

• Keeping near water flow or Peepal: If no living organism is immediately available, the grass can be immersed in clean and pure flowing water or kept near the root of the Peepal tree.

in Shraddha ritual ‘Panchbali’ The legislation of is considered very important. Under this, as soon as the food is prepared, portions are taken out for five different creatures and deities, due to which every type of defect is eliminated:

1. Dev Bali: An excerpt taken out for the gods.

2. Cow sacrifice: Food portion for cow.

3. Swan sacrifice: Grass taken out for the dog.

4. Kaak Bali: Food for crows.

5. Pipalikadi Bali: Food for ants and other insects.

By following these rules, you can complete your Shraddha rituals without any worries and get the blessings of your ancestors.