Pitru Paksha Alert: Shraddha is about to begin, complete these 5 important tasks immediately; Otherwise you will have to wait for 16 days

In the Sanatan Dharma tradition, the period of 16 days starting from Bhadrapada Purnima till the new moon day of Ashwin month (Sarvapitri Amavasya) Pitru Paksha/Shraddha It is said. This time is dedicated to expressing gratitude towards the ancestors, ancestors and departed souls and performing their Tarpan, Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals. According to religious beliefs, during these 16 days, the ancestors come to earth in subtle form and bestow blessings by accepting the water, sesame and food given by their descendants.

According to religious and astrological rules, Pitru Paksha is a period of self-control, simplicity and mourning. During this period, worldly celebrations, purchasing of new goods and auspicious festivals are considered prohibited. If any new or important work is proposed in your family, then complete it before the start of Shraddha Paksha, otherwise you will have to wait for the entire Paksha till the beginning of Shardiya Navratri.

If you are planning any new project or auspicious event in the near future, then it is considered scriptural to complete these tasks before Pitru Paksha:

1. House warming and foundation worship (Bhoomi Pujan & Griha Pravesh): Entering a new house or performing Bhoomi Pujan for the construction of a new house is completely prohibited during Shraddha Paksha. Entry into a new house is a symbol of joy and happiness and prosperity in life, while Pitru Paksha is a period of remembering ancestors. Therefore, complete the shifting or foundation worship of the new house before the start of Shraddha.

2. Marriage, Engagement and Roka Sanskar: Auspicious activities like arranging marriage, wearing engagement ring or Roka Sanskar are not performed during these 16 days. Either settle all such social and family auspicious decisions first or wait for Navratri.

3. Mundan and Upanayana (Janeu) Ceremony: Rituals included in the 16 Sanskars like the first tonsure ceremony of children, naming ceremony and sacred thread (Upanayana) remain prohibited in Pitru Paksha. It is believed that during this period only the rituals performed for the ancestors are fruitful, this time is not considered suitable for performing divine rituals.

4. Registry of new vehicle, gold, silver and immovable property: There has been a tradition in the ancestral side to postpone deals related to big financial and material pleasures like a new car, two-wheeler, heavy jewelery or land-house registry. Although astrologers have different opinions regarding purchases, the traditional belief is that any new property should be purchased only during the auspicious times of Navratri or Dhanteras.

5. Opening of new business, shop or startup: Inauguration of a new establishment, registration of a new firm or opening of any big commercial project is not done in Pitru Paksha. This is not considered to be the time for new investments and prosperity, hence it is better to complete the inauguration work before time.

There is a clear mention in the scriptures like Garuda Purana and Nirman Sindhu that the time of Pitru Paksha is the time to completely get rid of ‘pitra debt’ and do sadhana for the spiritual peace of the ancestors:

• Pitara, the center of attention and energy: According to the scriptures, when there is an auspicious celebration at home (like a wedding or house warming), the entire family gets absorbed in worldly joys, dancing, singing and frolic. Due to this, respect and offerings to the ancestors become secondary, due to which the ancestors may return dissatisfied.

• Period of restraint and purity: The 16 days of Shraddha are of renunciation, simplicity, celibacy and satvik diet. Getting new clothes stitched, buying new fashion items or displaying material luxury is considered against the decorum of this period.

After Pitru Paksha starts, it is necessary to follow some basic precautions in your daily life:

• Satvik Food: Completely give up Tamasic food, garlic, onion, meat and alcohol. Use of lentils, gram, brinjal and mustard greens is also considered prohibited during the Shraddha period.

• Panchabali Karma: Every day, after cooking food, take out the first portion of it without fail for cows, dogs, crows, ants and Gods (Agni).

• Hair and Beard Cutting: It is believed that the main person performing Shraddha should avoid cutting hair, beard or nails during Pitru Paksha.

• Brahmin feast and charity: On the death anniversary of your ancestors, feed food to a worthy Brahmin and donate sesame seeds, jaggery, clothes and food as per your capacity.

If your important work is not completed before Pitru Paksha, then instead of rushing, it would be best from religious and practical point of view to wait till the first day of Shardiya Navratri (Kalash Sthapana).