Pitru Paksha is starting on September 24 for people in all countries except the Americas where it starts on September 23. It ends on October 7. Pitru Paksha is observed to honour our departed ancestors. Pitrus, as they are called, bless the households of their descendants by obtaining permission from the divine beings in other planes of the Universe.
The important rules to be followed during this period are:
1. No consumption of non-vegetarian food
2. Not eating onion, garlic, hotel food, pre-packaged food and drumsticks
3. Not shaving on the tithi of the ancestor's death and performing shradh
4. Offering annam (food) as anna daanam to poor people or priests
5. Abstaining from physical relationships
6. Reciting the Garuda Puranam and stories from the Yama Gitaa
7. Tarpanam not to be performed by those whose parents are alive
The important dates during this period are:
1) Mahaa Bharani - It is on the September 27 for the whole world except America where it is on the September 26.
2) Madhyaashtami - This falls on October 1 and is the same throughout the world.
3) Mahaalaya Amaavasya - This falls on October 7, except for those in New Zealand and Fiji islands for whom it is on October 8.
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