In India, Pitra Paksha is considered a very important period. It is a 16-day long period in the Hindu calendar. The Pitru Paksha is deemed inauspicious for carrying out functions like engagement (Roka) or marriage (vivah)  ceremonies, Grah Pravesh (house warming ceremony), mundane (head tonsuring ceremony of a child) etc. 
As per a popular belief, Pitar Dev from Pitralok comes to the earth in some form to meet his family members and receive food and sentiment through the family so charity with tarpan and shradh is more important in Pitra Paksha. Here is the list of dos and don’ts on Pitra Paksha

Dos

• Food must be offered to the poor and animals including cows, cats, or dogs.
• Take proper guidance from a priest about the appropriate time and location to perform.
• The ritual should be done while wearing a dhoti and remaining bare-chested. 
•  As per popular belief, Pitru comes into your home in any form in the fortnight of Pitru Paksha. Therefore, in this fortnight, no creature should be disrespected. Rather, any creature coming to your door should be given food and be hospitable.
• Those who cannot perform Shraddha Karma on holy pilgrimages for any reason can donate tarpan and bodies to any holy place in their home courtyard.

Don’ts

• Do not purchase any new vehicle or other items.
•  Those performing Shraddha rituals should not cut their nails. Neither should they shave or get a haircut.
•   Not wearing slippers in the house for the entire 16 days.
• Do not harm any animals like cows, cats, or dogs that come to your house. Instead, give them food and treat them kindly.
• Avoid eating gram, cumin, lentils, black salt, cucumber, gourd, mustard greens, etc.
•  Iron vessels should not be used for rituals. Use silver, gold, copper, or bronze vessels.
•  Shraddha Karma shouldn’t be done during evening, night, dawn, or dusk.
• Strictly avoid consuming alcohol, non-vegetarian, black salt, jeera, chana, garlic, onion.
• Do Not organize any auspicious occasion during Pitra Paksha.

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