Pitru Paksha 2026 Date: Pitru Paksha, which starts from the full moon of Bhadrapada month and lasts till the new moon of Ashwin month, is considered to be the most sacred time to express reverence and respect for ancestors in Sanatan Dharma. During this time, people perform tarpan, pinddan and shraddha karma for the peace of the souls of their ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, you must have often heard your elders say that the food of Shraddha is first taken out for cows, dogs, crows and ants. But have you ever wondered why this is done? Do dead souls really enter the bodies of these creatures and come to take food? Let’s know what has been said about this in Garuda Purana and Agni Purana.
When will Pitru Paksha start in 2026?
Pitru Paksha is considered to have special significance in Hinduism. This time is considered to be dedicated to remembering the ancestors, performing shraddha, tarpan and charity for them. According to the Drik Panchang, Pitru Paksha in the year 2026 will start from 26 September 2026. It will conclude on October 10, 2026, on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Why are animals fed in Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, there is not only a tradition of feeding Brahmins in the Shraddha Karma, but the importance of Panchbali has also been told. Under this, some parts of the food are taken out for different creatures and gods. According to religious beliefs, the feeling of satisfying the ancestors is associated with feeding animals like cows, dogs, crows, ants, etc. For this reason, a part of the food of Shraddha is taken out for these creatures and offered with reverence.
Do dead souls consume food as creatures?
There are different beliefs in religious traditions about this. According to the belief, after death, the soul goes to different worlds or vaginas according to its deeds. Pitru Paksha is considered to be a special time to remember and pay respect to the ancestors.
For whom is food taken out in Panchbali?
In Shraddha Karma, under the tradition of Panchbali, a portion of food is taken out for different creatures and deities. Among them, cow sacrifice, dog sacrifice, crow sacrifice, god sacrifice and ant sacrifice are mentioned.
What is the belief in feeding a cow?
In Hinduism, cow is considered very sacred. The tradition of feeding a cow during Shraddha is called cow sacrifice. According to religious belief, feeding the cow satisfies the ancestors and gets their blessings.
What is the belief behind feeding a dog?
In Panchbali, the food taken out for the dog is called dog sacrifice. In religious belief, the dog is also associated with Yamaraj. For this reason, feeding the dog in Pitru Paksha is associated with the belief of removing obstacles related to the journey of the ancestors and getting the grace of Yamraj.
What is the importance of feeding an ant?
In Panchbali, the tradition of extracting food for ants and other small creatures is also mentioned. This is called ant sacrifice. In religious beliefs, feeding flour, sugar or sweet food to ants on Pitru Paksha is considered virtuous.
Why is the crow fed the food of Shraddha?
The tradition of feeding the crow is the most prevalent in Pitru Paksha. This is called Kak Bali. In religious belief, the crow is considered to be the messenger of the ancestors. Therefore, the food of Shraddha is seen as feeding the crow by connecting the food to the ancestors and their satisfaction. Therefore, in many houses, food is first taken out for the crow after the Shraddha ritual.
Also read: How to perform tarpan in Pitru Paksha? Know the right method and rules
Disclaimer: The information provided in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
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