Pitru Paksha (Shradh) is a sacred 16-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors (Pitrus). In 2026, Pitru Paksha begins on September 25th (Bhadrapada Purnima) and concludes on October 10th (Sarwa Pitru Amavasya).
During this period, Hindus perform rituals like Pinda Daan, Tarpan, and food offerings to express gratitude to departed souls and seek their blessings. As it is a time of mourning and spiritual devotion, certain guidelines must be adopted for daily behaviour, food, and purchases.
Can You Buy New Clothes During Pitru Paksh?
According to Vedic traditions, Pitru Paksha is an inauspicious period (Ashubh Samay) for personal gratification, celebrations, or beginning new ventures.
Buying new clothes, vehicles, gold, or property during Shradh is believed to draw attention toward worldly desires rather than ancestral homage.
Instead, you can buy new clothes during Pitru Paksha and donate them to Brahmins, priests, or the underprivileged as part of the Dan-Punya rituals.
Pro Tip: Pause shopping for your Navratri or Diwali wardrobe until Pitru Paksha concludes.
Buying new clothes during Shradh is believed to displease ancestors (Image: Pexels)
Can You Eat Non-Veg Food During Shradh?
Eating non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha is considered a major breach of ritual purity (Shuddhi). Ancestral rituals demand a state of mental and physical cleanliness.
Dietary Rules To Follow During Pitru Paksha:
1. Avoid Tamasic Foods: One should avoid consuming tamsic food like meat, fish or eggs during this period, as it promotes lethargy, ignorance and also displeases the ancestors and brings negative karma (Pitru Dosh).
2. Skip Garlic and Onions: During this period, meals prepared at home should not have garlic and onion in them.
3. Say No To Intoxicants: Alcohol and tobacco should strictly be avoided.
4. Embrace A Satvik Diet: Meals should consist of simple, clean ingredients like milk, ghee, rice, barley, sesame seeds (til), and seasonal vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki).
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Dos and Don'ts Of Pitru Paksha
To ensure peace, prosperity, and the blessings of your ancestors, follow these guidelines:
Category | What To Do | What To Avoid |
Diet | Satvik food, sesame seeds, rice, milk | Meat, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic |
Grooming | Basic hygiene, keeping the house clean | Cutting hair, shaving, trimming nails |
Shopping | Buying items for charity or rituals | Buying clothes, jewellery, cars, performing housewarming (Griha Pravesh) |
Behavior | Donating to the poor, feeding animals | Arguing, disrespecting elders, holding celebrations |
What Happens If Someone Accidentally Eats Non-Veg?
If someone accidentally consumes non-veg food during this period, then according to tradition, performing a simple purification ritual is needed.
One should avoid consuming tamsic food like meat, fish or eggs during this period (Image: Pexels)
The person should take a bath, chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, perform Tarpana with water and black sesame seeds, and ask for forgiveness (Kshama Yachna) from their ancestors.
ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha Tarpan Vidhi 2026: Step-By-Step Ritual Guide And Rules
So, these are the few things one should do and avoid during Pitru Paksha.
FAQs
1. Can we buy new clothes for children during Pitru Paksha?
While traditionalists advise against all new clothing purchases, essential items needed for basic utility (like school uniforms or replacing torn clothes) are acceptable.
2. When can you start shopping again after Pitru Paksha 2026?
Normal shopping and auspicious activities resume on *October 11, 2026, the first day of **Pratipada / Sharad Navratri