Pitru Paksha: donating colour-coded items by zodiac sign said to please ancestors

Pitru Paksha holds special religious significance in Hinduism. Of the 365 days in a year, about 15 days are devoted to the memory of ancestors. During these days, shraddha, tarpan, pind daan and charitable giving are performed so that ancestors may attain peace, liberation and give their blessings. It is believed that acts done with devotion and according to prescribed rituals during this period please the ancestors and keep their blessings on the family.

According to astrologers, donating items according to one's zodiac sign during Pitru Paksha is also considered auspicious. It is said that the religious acts performed during these 15 days are meant not just to fulfil a ritual, but also to express respect and gratitude towards one's ancestors.

According to religious tradition, when a person dies, they are remembered as an ancestor. During Pitru Paksha, tarpan, shraddha and pind daan are performed for the peace and liberation of their soul. It is believed that donating food, clothes and other useful items to the needy during this period brings merit. According to astrology, the most important feeling while donating according to one's zodiac sign is one of respect and service. One should donate food, clothes or useful items to the needy according to one's means. It is believed that shraddha, tarpan and donations made during Pitru Paksha express respect towards ancestors and reflect the family's wish to receive their blessings.

What to donate according to zodiac sign is described as follows. For Aries, donating red items during Pitru Paksha is considered auspicious. Taurus should donate yellow items. Gemini can donate green items or food grain to the needy. Cancer can donate white items, rice, milk or food grain. Leo can donate jaggery, wheat and food grain. Virgo should donate green items, grain and useful items.

For Libra, donating white clothes or food grain is considered auspicious. Scorpio can donate red clothes, lentils or food grain to the needy. Sagittarius can donate yellow items, chickpeas, turmeric or yellow clothes. Capricorn can donate black sesame seeds, clothes or food grain to the needy. Aquarius should donate sesame seeds, blankets or useful items. Pisces can donate yellow clothes, chana dal or religious items.

This information on subjects such as religion, astrology, vastu and feng shui is provided for readers' information only. It is advisable to consult experts before acting on any of these suggestions.