What to offer on the shraddh plate on Sarvapitri Amavasya, from kheer to puri
On Saturday, October 10, the last day of Pitru Paksha, families offer rice, urad dal dishes, puri, kheer and seasonal vegetables to ancestors.
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Saturday, October 10, is the last day of Pitru Paksha, known as Sarvapitri Amavasya. It is said that on this day all ancestors leave the earth and depart. The final day of Shraddha Paksha is considered the most important and is observed as Sarvapitri Amavasya.
The day is special for remembering ancestors and for performing shraddh rites. There is a religious tradition of performing shraddh, tarpan and pind daan for ancestors on this day. It is said that performing shraddh on this day brings peace to the souls of all ancestors.
Those who could not perform shraddh on the death anniversary of a departed family member, or who do not remember the date of death, can also perform it on this day. The question then arises of how to please the ancestors so that they return happily to their realm. In answer, here is what should go on the plate of naivedya. Broadly, the naivedya for ancestors should include rice, dal, ghee, vegetables and sweet dishes.
First, kheer. Keep kheer in the shraddh rites, because the naivedya offered to ancestors is considered incomplete without it. The kheer should be made with cow's milk.
The plate should also have rice. It is believed that offering rice to ancestors frees one from their curse.
The shraddh plate must have some dish made from urad dal. One can make urad dal or urad dal fritters. Dal kachori or dahi vada can also be made.
Keep puri on the plate as well. Puri is said to be the favourite food of ancestors.
In addition, include some seasonal vegetables on the plate. Pumpkin curry is specially prepared on this day. Fruits are also offered to ancestors, so any seasonal fruit can be placed on the plate.
Beyond all this, include the dishes the ancestors liked in their plate.
One point needs particular care. Do not add garlic or onion to the naivedya prepared for ancestors. Prepare pure and sattvik food and offer it while remembering them in the mind.
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