Pitru Paksha 2026: 7 Things You Should Avoid From the First Shradh to Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Pitru Paksha 2026 in India starts with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27 and ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. Usually, people spend these days remembering departed ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpan, food offerings, and charity.
Many families also observe some restrictions during this period. It’s not about creating fear. Pitru Paksha is a time of simplicity, gratitude and reverence for the family lineage.
Below you’ll find 7 things you should NOT do during Shraddha.
1. Do not start any major auspicious celebrations.Pitru Paksha is generally considered a time of remembrance and not celebration.
That is why many Hindu families prefer to postpone weddings, engagement ceremonies, house-warming functions, and other major auspicious events until after the Shraddha period.
Routine responsibilities do not have to stop. The traditional restriction mainly applies to ceremonies chosen for celebration and a new beginning.
2. Don’t Buy Luxury Goods Without a ReasonPeople generally avoid shopping for luxury items like clothes, jewellery, or other expensive items during Pitru Paksha.
Keep it simple, not a show. The idea is to keep it simple. But essential shopping is different. There is no reason to make the observance an unnecessary hardship if something is needed for work, health, travel, or daily life.
3. Not Consuming Non-Vegetarian Food & AlcoholFamilies observing Shraddha traditionally eat a simple Satvik diet.
They often avoid meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol. Many households also exclude onions and garlic, especially on the day of the ancestor worship ceremony. Shraddha food is simple and fresh. The emphasis is on purity, moderation and thankfulness.
4. Don't waste foodFood holds a special significance in Pitru Paksha. During Shraddha, meals may be served and shared or given away as charity. So, wasting food that can be used is not in the spirit of the observance.
Take what you will eat; try to use this time to be more mindful about how food is bought, prepared, and shared.
5. Steer Clear of Unnecessary Family ArgumentsPitru Paksha has much to do with family lineage. So, it may be meaningful to refrain from harsh words and old disputes. Property, inheritance and family responsibilities are already emotive issues. Not every unresolved dispute should be opened on Shraddha day.
Thinking of the good things about your dead relatives can create a more peaceful mood.
6. Do not shave or cut hair on Shraddha DayIn many traditions, the person performing the formal Shraddha does not shave, cut hair and trim nails on the ritual day.
Some families observe this restriction for extended periods, while some observe it only on the concerned ancestral Tithi.
Customs differ widely by region and family, and you should respect your household's tradition.
7. Don’t consider Pitru Paksha as a bad timeThe worst thing is being scared of these 16 days.
Pitru Paksha should not be seen as a period when normal life turns dangerous. People still work, study, travel and take care of their responsibilities.
Its deeper purpose is memory. It is a time for families to pause and honour those who went before and the sacrifices made to produce the current generation.
Simplicity, respectful behaviour, and meaningful remembrance matter more than excessive restrictions from the first Shraddha to Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Many families also observe some restrictions during this period. It’s not about creating fear. Pitru Paksha is a time of simplicity, gratitude and reverence for the family lineage.
Below you’ll find 7 things you should NOT do during Shraddha.
1. Do not start any major auspicious celebrations.Pitru Paksha is generally considered a time of remembrance and not celebration.
That is why many Hindu families prefer to postpone weddings, engagement ceremonies, house-warming functions, and other major auspicious events until after the Shraddha period.
Routine responsibilities do not have to stop. The traditional restriction mainly applies to ceremonies chosen for celebration and a new beginning.
2. Don’t Buy Luxury Goods Without a ReasonPeople generally avoid shopping for luxury items like clothes, jewellery, or other expensive items during Pitru Paksha.
Keep it simple, not a show. The idea is to keep it simple. But essential shopping is different. There is no reason to make the observance an unnecessary hardship if something is needed for work, health, travel, or daily life.
3. Not Consuming Non-Vegetarian Food & AlcoholFamilies observing Shraddha traditionally eat a simple Satvik diet.
They often avoid meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol. Many households also exclude onions and garlic, especially on the day of the ancestor worship ceremony. Shraddha food is simple and fresh. The emphasis is on purity, moderation and thankfulness.
4. Don't waste foodFood holds a special significance in Pitru Paksha. During Shraddha, meals may be served and shared or given away as charity. So, wasting food that can be used is not in the spirit of the observance.
Take what you will eat; try to use this time to be more mindful about how food is bought, prepared, and shared.
5. Steer Clear of Unnecessary Family ArgumentsPitru Paksha has much to do with family lineage. So, it may be meaningful to refrain from harsh words and old disputes. Property, inheritance and family responsibilities are already emotive issues. Not every unresolved dispute should be opened on Shraddha day.
Thinking of the good things about your dead relatives can create a more peaceful mood.
6. Do not shave or cut hair on Shraddha DayIn many traditions, the person performing the formal Shraddha does not shave, cut hair and trim nails on the ritual day.
Some families observe this restriction for extended periods, while some observe it only on the concerned ancestral Tithi.
Customs differ widely by region and family, and you should respect your household's tradition.
7. Don’t consider Pitru Paksha as a bad timeThe worst thing is being scared of these 16 days.
Pitru Paksha should not be seen as a period when normal life turns dangerous. People still work, study, travel and take care of their responsibilities.
Its deeper purpose is memory. It is a time for families to pause and honour those who went before and the sacrifices made to produce the current generation.
Simplicity, respectful behaviour, and meaningful remembrance matter more than excessive restrictions from the first Shraddha to Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
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