Share
Pitru Paksha is a religious time to remember and honour our ancestors. People believe that during these days, the ancestors visit their homes, and families perform rituals such as shradh to seek their blessings. Since these rituals are deeply connected with spirituality, they also have a major connection with food. It is very important to keep in mind that the food we eat during this time is Sattvic in nature. Whatever is consumed during this time affects not just the body, but also the mind, as well as emotions.
Why Should You Consume A Sattvic Diet During Pitru Paksha?
It is believed that during the period of Pitru Paksha, our ancestors visit us, and the families perform various rituals to honour their presence. During this time, many people follow a Sattvic diet to keep their body and mind pure and calm. In simple words, the Sattvic diet refers to a simple, clean, and balanced way of eating. This diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, milk, ghee, mild spices, etc. A sattvic diet helps in keeping the body calm and the mind peaceful. Consuming sattvic food during Pitru Paksha is not just about rituals and tradition; it is also a way of offering respect, being disciplined, and creating a sattvic environment to honour the ancestors with devotion during this time.
Foods To Avoid During Pitru Paksha
During the Pitru Paksha, people mainly avoid tamasic and rajasic food. These types of foods can make your mind too excited or overwhelmed during this religious time. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid during Pitru Paksha:
Non-veg foods: These foods are considered tamasic and rajasic. These foods can disturb the peace and also block the spiritual connection during this time.
Onion and garlic: These are avoided during this time as they can increase restlessness, which is not considered pure for performing the rituals.
Alcohol and intoxicants: Consuming alcohol during this time can impact the thought process of the mind and reduce the focus required for prayers and offerings.
Stale or leftover food: Leftover food is generally avoided during this time as it is believed that it can attract negative energies. Therefore, fresh food should be consumed to keep the mind pure.
Spicy or fried food: This type of food makes the body feel heavy and the mind restless, which is against the sattvic spirit that is followed during this period.
Foods To Consume During Pitru Paksha
Given below is the list of foods that can be observed during this time. They are sattvic in nature, fresh, and keep the body and mind pure during this sacred time.
Grains: Rice, millet, and wheat are offered during Shradh times. It keeps the mind calm and pure.
Vegetables: Fresh seasonal vegetables and non-root vegetables such as pumpkin, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, beans, and spinach should be consumed during this time.
Fruits: Fresh and seasonal fruits like bananas, guavas, apples, and papaya are consumed during this time.
Milk, curd, and ghee: These foods are considered sacred and sattvic during this time.
Sesame seeds (til): It is considered to purify the mind and soul. It is even used in pind daan rituals.
Jaggery: It is a natural sweetener that is used in prasad as well as in offerings.
By eating sattvic meals during this time, an environment of purity and devotion is created, making both body and mind calm and pure during Pitru Paksha. In short, having a sattvic diet is not just about showing respect, but also a way of being disciplined, and to honour our ancestors.
