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Pitru Paksha 2023: The sacred period of Shradh will begin on September 29 (Friday) this year and continue for the next 16 days. Pitru Paksha or Shradh is an auspicious period when our ancestors visit Earth and performing remedies to seek their blessings is considered important. It is observed every year from the Full moon to the next Amavasya Tithi, which completes 16 days.

There are numerous beliefs associated with Shradh such as people should avoid being a part of any celebration, buying new things is restricted, and rituals such as Tarpan and Pind Daan should be performed for ancestors. A major belief according to Hindu mythology is that people who perform tarpan and pind daan for their ancestors should be on a strict diet avoiding certain foods and beverages during this holy period of Shradh. Here is a list of foods that you must avoid during these 16 days of Shradh.

Watch the video below about important things to keep in mind during Pitru Paksha 2023: 

Foods To Avoid During Pitru Paksha

1. Non-Vegetarian Foods

The most important thing that one should keep in mind during Shradh is to abstain from consuming non-vegetarian foods. Consuming non-vegetarian foods such as meat, chicken, eggs and others should be avoided as Shradh is considered a sacred period.

ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha 2023: Do’s And Don’ts To Follow During This Sacred Period Devoted To Ancestors

2. Alcohol

Keep in mind to avoid drinking alcohol and alcoholic beverages during this 16-day Pitru Paksha. Indulging in rituals to seek the blessings of ancestors and worshipping God is considered an important ritual.

Following rituals and certain food items can help you seek blessings of your ancestors (Image Credits: Freepik)

3. Onion And Garlic

Ayurveda categorises garlic as Rajasic and onion as Tamasic respectively as they produce heat in the body. Therefore, onion and garlic should be avoided during the Shradh period.

4. Wheat And Pulses

Raw grains, pulses or rice are strictly forbidden during the Shradh. Therefore, be mindful of preparing meals without these food items.

5. Other Food Items

Food items such as black salt, cucumber, brinjal and jeera should also be bypassed during the period of Pitru Paksha. Paan, supari, alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited.

It is important to perform the rituals of Pitru Paksha to seek blessings of the ancestors (Image Credits: Freepik)

ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha 2023: These Things Indicate The Presence Of Ancestors Near You

Meanwhile, the last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya. Mahalaya amavasya is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha. If someone is unable to perform Shradh rituals, they can perform the rituals on the last day of PItru Paksha to seek the blessings of their ancestors.