Pitru Paksha is a period of 15 days when people pay homage to their deceased ancestors by offering food, water, and gifts to them through priests and Brahmins. During this time, there are certain things that should be avoided, and here are some of the dos and donts to follow:

Dos:

• Conduct Tarpan, an essential ritual during Pitru Paksha, which should be conducted by the eldest son of the deceased.
• Have only one meal a day and practice celibacy throughout the fifteen-day period.
• Perform Shradh, Pind Daan, and Tarpan rituals to honor and provide for the deceased.
• Feed cows, crows, and ants.
• Pray earnestly to God and your ancestors to cleanse your past karmas and bring happiness and prosperity to your life.

Donts:

• Avoid scheduling engagements, weddings, or housewarming ceremonies during this period.
• Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian foods, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Avoid using iron utensils and refrain from cutting hair or shaving the beard throughout the fifteen days of Pitru Paksha.
• Do not buy any new property or luxury items during Pitru Paksha.
• Avoid placing pictures of ancestors in the pooja.
• Do not consume non-vegetarian food at all.
• Avoid purchasing new clothes or shoes during Pitru Paksha. Similarly, one must avoid organizing auspicious events such as Griha Pravesh, Marriage, etc. or purchasing a new house.

It is important to be mindful of these guidelines during Pitru Paksha to show respect to our ancestors and to ensure that the rituals are conducted properly.