Pitru Paksha, revered since Vedic times as Śrāddha Paksha, is the sanctified fortnight set aside for paying homage to the forefathers (Pitṛs). Rooted in the injunctions of the Garuḍa Purāṇa and other Dharmaśāstras, this 16-day observance is considered indispensable for ensuring the continuity of blessings across generations.In 2025, according to the Hindu lunar reckoning (Bhādrapada, Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa), it begins on Sunday, 7 September 2025 (Kṛṣṇa Pratipadā) and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amāvasyā on Sunday, 21 September 2025 (IST).

During this fortnight, Hindus perform rituals, tarpan (water offerings), and pind daan to express gratitude and seek blessings from departed souls. Scriptures like the Garuda Purana and Mahabharata mention that improper behavior in Pitru Paksha can disturb ancestral peace and affect one’s karma.

Here are 7 important things you must not do in Pitru Paksha 2025 to protect your karmic balance and attract blessings.

1. Don’t Disrespect Food

Food holds spiritual significance in Pitru Paksha. It is offered as pind daan and bhog for ancestors.

  • Avoid wasting food, throwing it in the garbage, or eating carelessly.

  • Don’t insult simple sattvic meals (like rice, dal, roti, vegetables) prepared for offerings.

  • Instead, donate food to cows, dogs, crows, and the needy.

👉 Remedy: Feed a Brahmin or poor person with devotion, and say “ॐ पितृदेवाय नमः” before serving.

2. Don’t Harm Living Beings

Killing, hurting, or torturing animals, birds, or insects during Pitru Paksha is strictly forbidden. Our ancestors are believed to visit in subtle forms, and harming any life can block their blessings.

  • Avoid consuming meat, fish, and eggs.

  • Stop aggressive behavior toward animals.

👉 Remedy: Offer water to stray dogs, feed crows with rice balls (pinda), and give fodder to cows.

3. Avoid Ego and Arrogance

Pitru Paksha is a time for humility and remembrance. Displaying arrogance or boasting about wealth and status during this period weakens the spiritual merit of rituals.

  • Don’t fight or insult family members while performing Shraddh.

  • Avoid harsh words to elders.

👉 Remedy: Chant “ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” daily to maintain humility and peace.

4. Don’t Neglect Rituals

Some people skip tarpan or Shraddh thinking it doesn’t matter. However, according to the Garuda Purana, ignoring rituals may create Pitra Dosh in your kundli, leading to delays in marriage, financial struggles, or health problems.

  • If you cannot perform rituals, at least offer water (jal tarpan) at sunrise.

  • Avoid doing rituals at night or during inauspicious times.

👉 Remedy: Consult an astrologer to know your family’s ancestral obligations. Even simple recitation of “ॐ पितृदेवताभ्यो नमः” with water offerings daily is powerful.

5. Avoid New Beginnings

Starting new ventures like weddings, housewarming, or big purchases during Pitru Paksha is considered inauspicious. The period is meant for spiritual connection, not material growth.

  • Don’t sign new contracts, buy new property, or launch businesses.

  • Avoid wearing flashy new clothes or excessive celebrations.

👉 Remedy: Wait until Sarva Pitru Amavasya is over before planning auspicious beginnings.

6. Don’t Consume Intoxicants

Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are strictly prohibited in Pitru Paksha. These weaken your spiritual vibrations and insult ancestral energies.

  • Avoid parties, late-night indulgences, and intoxication.

  • Maintain purity in diet and lifestyle.

👉 Remedy: Drink tulsi water in the morning, chant Gayatri Mantra, and practice meditation for mental clarity.

7. Don’t Forget Charity

One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring daan (charity). Charity during Pitru Paksha is said to reach ancestors directly and reduce karmic burdens.

  • Don’t refuse help to the needy if you can provide.

  • Avoid donating with pride or expectation.

👉 Remedy: Offer food, clothes, and dakshina to Brahmins, donate sesame seeds, black lentils, or rice to the poor.

Recite:
 “अन्नदानं परं दानं, विद्यादानं ततः परम्।“
 (Among all charities, food donation is supreme; higher still is knowledge donation.)

Practical Astrological Solutions for Pitru Paksha 2025

  • Perform Pind Daan at Gaya, Prayagraj, or Haridwar if possible.

  • For those facing Pitra Dosh in their kundli, perform Rudrabhishek or recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

  • Lighting a diya with black sesame oil in the south direction daily helps bring peace to ancestors.

  • Recite Shraddh Stotra from the Garuda Purana.

Final Thoughts

Pitru Paksha 2025 (7th Sept – 21st Sept IST) is a powerful time to connect with your ancestors. Avoiding these 7 mistakes ensures their blessings flow into your life. By maintaining humility, purity, and charity, you not only protect your karma but also strengthen your family’s spiritual foundation.

Remember: honoring ancestors is not superstition, it is gratitude in action.

Q: Can I perform Pitru Paksha rituals at home if I cannot visit holy places like Gaya or Haridwar?
 A: Yes, you can. While performing Pind Daan or Tarpan at sacred sites like Gaya or Haridwar is considered highly auspicious, our scriptures also allow home rituals with devotion. You can:

  • Offer water (jal tarpan) to ancestors facing south every morning.

  • Prepare pind with rice, sesame seeds, and ghee and offer it to crows, cows, and dogs.

  • Chant “Om Pitru Devataabhyo Namah” while making offerings.

  • Light a diya with sesame oil in the south direction of your home.

If done with sincerity, these rituals are equally effective in inviting ancestral blessings and reducing Pitra Dosh.