Pitru Paksha 2026: who should be fed shraddha food, and who should not
As Pitru Paksha 2026 begins, tradition sets out who should receive shraddha food and who should be kept away from it
In Hindu tradition, Pitru Paksha is regarded as a time to honour and give thanks to one's ancestors. During these days, people perform rites such as shraddha, tarpan and pind daan for their forebears. According to the Panchang, this year Pitru Paksha begins on September 26 with Purnima shraddha, while it is observed from September 27 with Pratipada shraddha. The period ends on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
The tradition of shraddha is not limited to feeding Brahmins alone; giving food and charity to the needy is considered equally important. According to religious belief, food prepared for shraddha is different from ordinary food. It is first prepared as an offering to the ancestors, and only afterward served to Brahmins, the needy and family members. There are certain set traditions around shraddha food regarding who should be given it and who should stay away from it.
The first rule is that on the day of shraddha, there is a specific practice of feeding a sattvic and learned Brahmin. It is believed that the shraddha rite is not considered complete until a Brahmin has been fed with respect.
However, the tradition during shraddha is not confined to feeding Brahmins alone. According to religious belief, giving food to the poor, the hungry, the helpless and the needy is also considered an act of merit. That is, if a Brahmin is not available for some reason, a needy person may be fed instead.
A common question is whether family members can themselves eat the food prepared for shraddha. According to tradition, people of the same lineage and gotra, as well as family members, can partake of the shraddha food, and this is not considered wrong.
In addition, a rite called "Panchabali" is given special importance in the shraddha ritual. In many families, it is customary to set aside a portion of the food for different creatures such as the cow, the dog, the crow and the ant.
Now, who should not be given shraddha food. Religious tradition emphasises that shraddha food should remain sattvic, that is, pure and wholesome. This is why it is advised that shraddha food should not be served to people who consume meat, alcohol or other intoxicants.
