Every year, during Pitru Paksha, families across India perform shradh rituals to honour their ancestors. Many believe that this period is for offering food and prayers to the departed souls so that they may stay satisfied and bless the family. But is that the full truth? Is Pitru Paksha really about appeasing restless spirits, or is there a deeper, more practical meaning behind this tradition?
What Is Shradh?
Shradh is a ritual performed to express gratitude towards one’s ancestors. Offerings like kheer-puri are prepared, and crows are fed in their name. It is believed that crows act as messengers, and feeding them ensures the peace of departed souls. Some families continue this practice for up to 16 years after a relative’s death, hoping that it helps the soul find liberation and bring blessings.
But is this how life and death truly work?
A popular belief is that during Pitru Paksha, ancestors return in the form of crows to accept food offerings. However, when we examine this idea closely, many questions arise:
- Once a soul leaves the body, it is believed to immediately take birth in another form. How then can it still linger nearby?
- We ourselves do not remember our past lives. How could our ancestors recognise us after rebirth?
- Would loving parents or grandparents return just to trouble us?
This logic points toward misunderstanding rather than truth. The idea of restless ancestors obstructing us only spreads fear and negativity.
What About Pitrudosh?
Many people believe that financial problems or health issues are caused by unsatisfied ancestors, labelled as Pitrudosh. But this ignores the laws of karma; each person experiences the consequences of their own actions, not those of their forefathers.
Blaming ancestors for hardships creates unnecessary hatred and emotional turmoil. Instead, individuals should focus on prayer, compassion, and personal effort to overcome difficulties.
The belief that ancestors visit specifically as crows lacks scientific or spiritual reasoning. If rebirth is real, one’s next life-form could be anything, not necessarily a crow. Associating specific birds with ancestors is more symbolic than factual.
Interestingly, the tradition of shradh has roots in practical community care and Ayurveda. In earlier times, during the month of Bhadrapada, mosquito infestations would spread deadly malaria, especially bile fever (pitta imbalance). Without medicine, malaria caused numerous deaths.
To combat this, sages recommended feeding people doodhpak (sweet milk pudding) during this period. Milk and sugar help balance bile and improve immunity.
However, preparing doodhpak daily was difficult for large families. To ensure participation, a community tradition was created where each household took turns preparing and sharing doodhpak, all under the religious guise of honouring ancestors.
This ingenious blend of health awareness and social bonding not only saved countless lives but also gave rise to Pitru Paksha rituals.
Why Is Navratri Celebrated?
If someone survived the health risks of these 16 days, they were considered fortunate to live into another season, symbolised by Navratri, the celebration of 'new nights of life.'
Pitru Paksha is not about fearing curses or blaming ancestors. It’s about community care, responsibility, and gratitude. The ritual reminds us to share food, strengthen bonds, and support each other during vulnerable times.
Rather than spreading fear, we should embrace compassion and self-awareness. Any difficulties we face are the result of our own actions, and overcoming them requires effort, patience, and prayer, not superstition.
Pitru Paksha and shradh rituals are beautiful traditions rooted in science, health, and empathy, not blind fear. Understanding this helps us honour the spirit of the practice while promoting well-being in our families and communities.
Let’s celebrate this sacred period with knowledge, compassion, and unity, ensuring that our actions are guided by wisdom, not misunderstanding.
Also Read: Pitru Paksha 2025: Dates, Rituals, Significance and Guide
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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