Pitru Paksha is currently underway, a period traditionally associated with remembering and honouring one's ancestors. During these days, families perform rituals such as tarpan and Shraadh as a mark of respect for their departed ancestors.
There is a commonly followed practice of performing Shraadh on the same lunar date, or tithi, on which a person passed away. If the date of death is not known, Shraadh can be performed on Amavasya. You may have noticed that many families carry out these rituals around midday. But why is the afternoon considered the appropriate time for Shraadh?
Why is Shraadh performed in the afternoon?
According to traditional scriptural beliefs, different parts of the day are associated with different kinds of rituals. Morning and evening are considered suitable for worship and rituals dedicated to deities, while deep darkness is associated with negative and demonic forces.
The afternoon, meanwhile, is regarded as the time dedicated to ancestors. This is why performing Shraadh during this part of the day is traditionally considered auspicious during Pitru Paksha.
Scriptures also describe Pitru Lok as being located between Mrityu Lok and Dev Lok, and above the Moon. Since the middle of the day is considered dedicated to ancestors, food is offered to them during this period.
Ancestors are believed to receive food through sunlight
There is another traditional belief associated with performing the Shraadh feast in the afternoon. According to this belief, the Sun rises in the east and reaches the middle of the sky around midday.
Ancestors are believed to receive the food offered during Shraadh through the Sun's rays in the earthly realm. This is another reason the afternoon is traditionally regarded as a suitable time for performing the ritual.
What is the correct way to perform Shraadh during Pitru Paksha?
- On the day assigned for Shraadh, worship the ancestors in the southern part of the house.
- Offer tarpan with water mixed with sesame seeds and perform pind daan.
- Sit on a seat made of kusha grass and pray for the peace of the ancestors.
- Serve a sattvic meal respectfully to a Brahmin.
- Keep separate portions of food for a cow, crow, dog, gods and ants. This offering is known as Panchbali. Do not use onion or garlic in the food.
- After the meal, offer clothes and dakshina and seek blessings.
- Ask the ancestors for forgiveness for any mistakes that may have been made.
- In the evening, light a mustard oil lamp in the southern direction.
Following these traditional practices during Pitru Paksha is considered a way of expressing faith and respect towards one's ancestors.
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