what to do on last day of pitru paksha
Quick Scoop: On the last day of Pitru Paksha, people usually perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan for their ancestors, often at noon or the prescribed muhurat , then offer food, water, and charity in their memory.
What to do
- Take a bath early and wear clean, simple clothes, ideally white or other sattvic colors.
- Perform Shraddha for the ancestors, including water offerings and food offerings such as rice, kheer, dal, fruits, or pindas.
- Do Tarpan with water and black sesame seeds, usually in the afternoon or around noon.
- Feed Brahmins, the needy, cows, crows, or dogs as part of the ancestral offering tradition.
- Donate food or essentials like grain, clothing, or money in memory of your ancestors.
- Recite prayers or mantras and keep the day peaceful and devotional.
If it is Sarva Pitru Amavasya
If the last day is Sarva Pitru Amavasya , it is considered suitable for offering Shraddha for all ancestors , especially if you do not know the exact tithi of a departed family member.
What to avoid
- Avoid celebrations, weddings, and major auspicious events during the observance.
- Many families also keep a simple vegetarian, satvik diet and avoid alcohol or non-vegetarian food.
- Some traditions advise avoiding haircuts, nail cutting, and new beginnings on this day.
Practical order
- Bathe and prepare the offering space.
- Do Sankalpa with the ancestor’s name or family lineage.
- Offer water, sesame seeds, and pindas.
- Feed guests, the poor, or animals.
- Donate food or clothes.
- Pray for peace for the departed souls.
Short note
Different regions and families follow slightly different customs, so if your family priest gives a specific method or timing, that should be followed first.
TL;DR: On the last day of Pitru Paksha, do Shraddha/Tarpan, offer food and charity, keep the day sattvic, and avoid celebrations.