A period of 16 days, when people pay homage to the departed family members is Pitru Paksha, also called as shraad paksh. In these 16 days- one offers food and water to their ancestors, and it is to be offered, else, it is believed, that you shall also remain without food and water in your after-life. As you sow, so shall you reap- it is the saying which comes true in the after-life.
The legend associated is that when King Karna died, and went to heaven the gods would give him food made of gold and other valuable gems. When Karna enquired Gods regarding the food made of gold, and how was he to eat that, Then king of the gods, Indra told him that this because Karna in his life was only donating gold and gems. And hence, he shall reap only gold and gems in his after life. He then realized his mistake that he never offered food and water to the poor and neither to his ancestors and he had to redeem himself, so the gods decided that Karna will be allowed to get back to earth for sixteen days and feed the poor and the needy. And it is these 16 days that is regarded as pitru paksha and is considered inauspicious. No need beginning is done during this period and is followed by only the male members of the family.
Pitru Paksha in modern times:
• The society is extremely materialistic and “giving” is no longer considered sacred- especially when one’s benefit isn’t associated. Hence the celebration of pitru paksha should act to somehow awaken these habits in people.
• It is always good to remain connected with the past and the ancestors and not completely forget them- it is a means of following the traditions and customs- there is always something to learn and teach and follow. So, sometimes, the traditions are to be followed – but never blindly. Reason it out with logic and follow only what is logical and necessitated; it does help.
• Apart from the ancestors who have departed, this also symbolizes spending time and taking care of the elders- who are getting isolated and separated due to the hectic lifestyle we all lead.
Don’ts of this period:
• This isn’t a good time for new beginnings. Avoid starting anything new- significant or even insignificant.
• Washing, cutting hair and even shaving are prohibited during this period, especially on the last day, i.e. Mahalaya Amavasya.
• As per astrologers- getting married, celebrating the birth of a new born, settling down in a new home, starting a new business and other such important events should be postponed or advanced
• Eating non-vegetarian food or even including onion and garlic in the food is forbidden. So is smoking and consumption of alcohol.
• It is believed that only when a person performs the rituals with earnestness and no malice at heart does his efforts bear fruit.
Pitru Paksh doshas are also commonly seen in many kundalis- that is when one doesn’t follow the rituals of pitru paksh sincerely.
By: Archa Dave
