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

  1. Bathe and prepare the offering space.
  2. Do Sankalpa with the ancestor’s name or family lineage.
  3. Offer water, sesame seeds, and pindas.
  4. Feed guests, the poor, or animals.
  5. Donate food or clothes.
  6. 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.