Hindus believe that performing Shradh in
Pitru Paksha liberates the ancestors and makes them happy. The rituals of Shradh are performed according to Hindu traditions under a lot of restrictions. Some foods are avoided during this time.
Following are some of the foods that should not be eaten during Shradh:
Onion and Garlic
In Ayurveda, garlic is considered rajasic and onion is tamasic. Since they can generate heat in the body, these two vegetables should be kept out of reach and not used in any ritual.
Non vegetarian food
Consumption of non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in any Hindu ritual. Similarly, eating meat or any non-vegetarian food is not allowed during Shradh.
Wheat and Pulses
Raw grains are prohibited during the holy period of Shradh. Therefore, rice, pulses and wheat should not be eaten during this time. Consuming these foods raw is considered taboo. Vegetables like potatoes, arbi and radish are also prohibited.
Red Lentil
Masoor dal cannot be eaten by any person who is performing Shradh ceremony. Chole and torn lentils should also be avoided while eating lentils. Black urad dal and gram sattu should also be avoided.
Other foods
Along with non-vegetarian food and alcohol, some other food items like cumin, black salt, black mustard, cucumber and brinjal are also prohibited during Pitru Paksha.
New clothes should not be bought or worn during Pitru Paksha, it causes Pitra Dosh. In Pitru Paksha, there is a rule to feed Brahmins to please the ancestors.