- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:06 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pitru Paksha 2025 Food: Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh, is a 16-day religious period that is observed in the Hindu calendar to remember and honour one’s ancestors by performing rituals, praying and making offerings. Pitru Paksha 2025 has started on September 7 and will end on September 21. This religious tradition is observed among the Hindus across India, where ancestors visit their homes and families perform rituals such as shradh to seek their blessings. As these rituals are deeply connected with spirituality, rather than just a mere tradition, the food plays a very important role. The food that is eaten during these days is Sattvik in nature. Whatever is consumed during this time affects not just the body, but also the mind and emotions.
Why Should You Consume A Sattvic Diet During Pitru Paksha?
It is believed that during the period of Pitru Paksha or Shradh, ancestors visit us and the families perform various rituals to honour their presence. During this time, many people follow a Sattvic diet to keep their body and mind pure and calm. The Sattvik diet is referred to as a simple, clean and balanced way of eating. This diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, milk, ghee, mild spices, etc.
A sattvik diet helps in keeping the body calm and the mind peaceful. Consuming a sattvic diet during Pitru Paksha is not just about rituals and tradition; it is also a way of offering respect, being disciplined and creating a sattvic environment to honour the ancestors with devotion during this time.
Here is the complete food diet of what to eat and what to avoid during Pitru Paksha 2025.
Foods To Avoid During Pitru Paksha
During the Pitru Paksha, people avoid eating tamasic and rajasic food. These types of foods can make the mind too excited and overwhelmed during this religious time. Thus, here is a list of foods that people should avoid during Pitru Paksha 2025.
Non-Veg Foods: These foods are tamasic and rajasic. These foods can disturb the peace and also restrict the spiritual connection during this time.
Onion And Garlic: These are avoided during this time as they can increase restlessness, which is not considered pure for performing the rituals.
Alcohol And Intoxicants: Drinking alcohol during this time can impact the thought process of the mind and reduce the focus required for prayers and offerings.
Stale Or Leftover Food: Leftover food is generally avoided during Pitru Paksha, as it is believed that it can attract negative energies. Therefore, fresh foods should be consumed to keep the mind pure.
Spicy Or Fried Food: This type of food makes the body feel heavy and the mind restless, which is against the sattvic spirit that is followed during this period.
Sattvic Food For Pitru Paksha (Image Credits: Freepik)
Foods To Consume During Pitru Paksha
Usually, sattvic and fresh food is consumed during Pitru Paksha to keep the body and mind pure during this sacred time.
Grains: Rice, millet and wheat are offered during Shradh times. It keeps the mind calm and pure.
Vegetables: Fresh seasonal vegetables and non-root vegetables such as pumpkin, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, beans and spinach are consumed during this time.
Fruits: Fresh and seasonal fruits like bananas, guavas, apples and papaya are consumed during this time.
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Milk, Curd And Ghee: These foods are considered sacred and sattvic during this time.
Sesame Seeds (Til): It is considered to purify the mind and soul. It is even used in pind daan rituals.
Jaggery: It is a natural sweetener that is used in prasad as well as in offerings.
Consuming sattvic meals during this time creates an environment of purity and devotion, making both the body and mind calm, especially during Pitru Paksha. By eating sattvic food, people show respect and a way of disciplined living to honour the ancestors.