Things to Avoid Donating During Pitru Paksha 2024

Pitru Paksha 2024 begins today, 17 September, and ends on 2 October, coinciding with the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya. According to religious beliefs, donations during Pitru Paksha hold special significance as they are believed to bring blessings from ancestors. It is considered auspicious to make offerings in the name of one’s ancestors during these 15 days to attain great merit. However, certain items should not be donated during Pitru Paksha. Let us understand what these items are.

1. Iron Utensils: It is advised not to donate utensils made of iron during Pitru Paksha. Instead, donations of brass, gold, and silver utensils can be made.

2. Leather Items: The use of leather items is prohibited during Pitru Paksha. It is believed that using leather during this period is highly inauspicious.

3. Old Clothes: Old clothes are not considered ideal for donation during Pitru Paksha. It is recommended to donate new clothes to the Brahmins.

4. Black Clothes: The use of black color in Hindu rituals and ceremonies is generally avoided as it is considered inauspicious. Therefore, refrain from donating black clothing or blankets during Pitru Paksha.

5. Oil: No forms of oil, especially mustard oil, should be donated during Pitru Paksha.

6. Leftover Food: Only fresh and pure offerings should be made to ancestors. Leftover or stale food should never be offered to them.

During Pitru Paksha, it is important to conduct Tarpan rituals early in the morning, involving the offering of water mixed with Ganges water, milk, and other ritual items, to please the ancestors. Providing food to animals and birds that visit your home during this time is also considered beneficial, as ancestors are believed to visit in these forms.