- By Iram Hussain
- Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pitru Paksha is a period of 16 days in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to honour one's ancestors and allows ancestors to receive the offerings made by descendants. It is an important Hindu period because it is a time to conduct shradh rituals, offerings and prayers to deceased souls in order for them to be able to attain moksha. Within the Pitru Paksha period, Hindus typically would prepare a simple vegetarian meal or dish, offer it to Brahmins, priests or people in need and donate their money to charitable events. This tradition serves as a method for receiving the blessings of ancestors and discharging ancestral debt.
During Pitru Paksha, strict rules govern food consumption to maintain sanctity. Specific foods are offered to ancestors while others are avoided. Let us understand why a sattvik diet is essential during Shradh and know the list of foods to be avoided.
Why Following A Sattvik Diet Is Necessary?
A sattvik diet is an important aspect of Pitru Paksha as it leads to calmness, clarity and development of spirituality. This diet is wholesome, pure food that uplifts the mind and body to create a space for spiritual engagement. Sattvik foods give an opportunity to the individual to promote a calm meditative state in which they can connect with their ancestors and honour them with dedication and sincere respect. Diet plays a significant role in the spiritual purpose of a Pitru Paksha.
Foods To Avoid During Pitru Paksha
1. Aromatics: Garlic and onion increase our body heat and will also cloud our minds. Use whole spices. Try coriander or turmeric.
2. Non-Vegetarian Food: Meat is tamasic and creates aggression, sullies the mind and creates lethargy. Use fresh veggies, lentils and grains as the staples of a diet.
Foods to avoid during Pitru Paksha (Image Credits: Canva)
3. Alcohol: Alcohol clouds mental judgment and spiritual clarity. Limit alcohol and stay hydrated with water, milk and fresh juice.
4. Some Lentils: Masoor dal are tamasic, so consume other healthy lentils like toor dal, moong dal or chana dal during this time.
ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha 2025 Start And End Date; Check Shradh Dates And Calendar With Tithi
5. Processed Foods: Processed foods contain many artificial ingredients that would break the rules of Shradh. Use fresh food that is homemade, whole and prepared to help keep body and mind clear.
6. Certain Vegetables: Veggies such as brinjal, mushrooms, leeks and onions are negative and should not be eaten during Shradh. Choose to eat sattvic vegetables like carrots, gourds, spinach and pumpkin.
7. Spicy, Oily And Fatty Foods: These foods are rajasic and distract your mind and spiritual calmness. Ideally, food should be boiled, steamed or lightly tossed with a mild spice.
