The time of Pitru Paksha is completely dedicated to fathers. The offering of ancestors in the shraddh results in the attainment of virtuous fruit and blessings of the ancestors. Shraddha is considered very important in the scriptures for the peace of the ancestors. It has been said in the scriptures that the offering of ancestors brings peace to their souls and they bless the happy life with happiness.
Every year Shraddha Karma is performed for ancestors on Pitrupaksha. In these days, pindadan, tarpan, havan and grain donation are the main ones. It is believed that people who do not offer ancestors to the ancestral side, they feel paternity. It is only after Shraddh that one gets relief from Pitradosh. However, this year, Mokadayini 'Gaya' will not be able to be sacrificed. The Bihar government has taken this decision in view of the increasing cases of Corona. This year, you can do all kinds of rituals and donations etc. at your home.
Shradh 2020: Day and dates
1st September: Purnima Shradh
2nd September: Pratipada Shradh
3rd September: Dwitiya Shradh
5th September: Tritiya Shradh
6th September: Chaturthi Shradh
7th September: Panchami Shradh
8th September: Shashthi Shradh
9th September: Saptami Shradh
10th September: Ashtami Shradh
11th September: Navami Shradh
12th September: Dashami Shradh
13th September: Ekadashi Shradh
14th September: Dwadashi Shradh
15th September: Trayodashi Shradh
16th September: Chaturdashi Shradh
17th September: Amavasya Shradh
How to perform 'Pind daan'
Pindadan, tarpan and Brahmin banquet are performed in Shraddh. In this, the meals made by mixing rice, cow's milk, ghee, sugar and honey are offered to the ancestors. Black sesame, barley, kusha i.e. green grass and white flowers are mixed in the water and offered in a ceremonial manner. After this, a Brahmin feast is made.
Significance
It is said that the dissatisfied souls of the deceased return to the Earth to see their family members. Therefore, to ensure that they attain Moksha and get liberated, people quench their thirst and satisfy their hunger by doing the Pind Daan (a method of offering food consisting of cooked rice and black sesame seeds). The Pind Daan refers to the ritual of appeasing those who are dead. Prayers are offered, and rituals are performed to help the souls calm and get relieved from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
The Pitru Paksha is also a significant period for people with Pitru Dosha or the curse of the ancestors. Thus, people perform Shradha rituals and offer food to crows (that are believed to be the representatives of the dead). By accepting the food provided by people, the crow suggests that the ancestors are pleased. However, if it refuses to have the food offered, then it indicates that the dead are displeased.
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What to avoid
According to the scriptures, ancestors get freedom from tarpan and shraddha in the Pitru Paksha. This is the reason that during this time, tarpan and shraadh should be done in a lawful and reverential manner. However, many people make many mistakes during this period. Let us know whether your faith will not be fulfilled by making mistakes.
1. If you do not remember the date of death of your ancestors, then do it, without this they will not get liberation and your reverence will not be accepted.
2. During this time, do not disrespect anyone who comes to your door. However, due to the corona and lockdown, keep the distance.
3.Don't forget to feed the Brahmins on the last day of Pitru Paksha,
4.Do the tarpan on the last day of Pitru Paksha, do not forget to ignore it.
5. Those who are offering to the ancestors should not get their beard and hair done. There is a belief that ancestors may be offended by doing so.