During Pitru Paksha, special rituals and worship are performed to offer *Tarpan* (libations of water) to one's ancestors. This year, Pitru Paksha will be observed from September 26 to October 10. Those whose parents have passed away should pay special attention to certain guidelines during this period; otherwise, instead of earning merit, they may incur sin and suffer from *Pitru Dosh* (ancestral affliction).

**Observe these rules during Pitru Paksha**
During Pitru Paksha, do not get a haircut or trim your nails if your parents have passed away. Observe *Brahmacharya* (celibacy) and abstain from using soap or oil. Adhering to these practices will help you avoid the troubles associated with *Pitru Dosh*.

Pandit Anupam Maharaj, a learned Acharya from Vindhyadham, told that those whose parents have passed away should not cut their hair or trim their nails during Pitru Paksha. They should observe celibacy and avoid using soap and oil. Additionally, if a woman's mother-in-law has passed away, she should not wash her hair before *Ashtami* (the eighth day); hair washing should be done only on *Navami* (the ninth day).

**Rituals regarding a deceased mother-in-law**
Offer *Kheer* (sweet rice pudding) and other traditional items as a final offering (*Vidai*) for your deceased mother-in-law. Furthermore, get a haircut on the specific lunar day (*Tithi*) corresponding to your father's *Shraddh* (death anniversary ritual). If your father is deceased, you must trim or shave your mustache; if he is alive, do not trim your mustache. Offer your hair (shave your head) in honor of your deceased mother.

**Perform *Shraddh* and *Pind Daan* for ancestors**
If your parents have passed away, you must perform *Ekoddishta Shraddh* at least once a year. Perform *Pind Daan* for your father, paternal grandfather, paternal great-grandfather, paternal grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, as well as your maternal grandparents and great-grandparents. You should also perform these rituals for other deceased relatives, such as paternal uncles and aunts.

You can arrange for the rituals to be performed online.
Pandit Anupam Maharaj explained that if you are unable to perform the rituals yourself, you can have a Brahmin conduct the *Pitru Paksha* puja on your behalf; this facility is available online. If someone is performing it for you, ensure it is done properly. You can also perform the rituals mentally, for *Shraddha* (devotion/faith) is the supreme path to *Shraddh*—indeed, the very essence of *Shraddh* lies in *Shraddha*.

Ensure food is provided to the poor and needy.
You should certainly arrange for meals to be served to the poor in the name of your ancestors—including Dalits, *Sannyasis* (ascetics), *Sadhus*, *Mahatmas*, and Brahmins. Offer food to all of them and provide donations to the best of your ability.

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