In Hindu religious beliefs, the 16 days of Pitru Paksha are the time to remember ancestors and express gratitude towards them. According to the scriptures, during these days our ancestors come to earth in subtle form to meet the family. This is the reason why Tarpan and Shraddha rituals are performed for them. To satisfy the ancestors, it is considered mandatory to offer Satvik dishes.
Pitru Paksha 2026: Prepare Satvik thali like this for offering to ancestors, know the religious importance of kheer to black sesame seeds.
Main Satvik dishes of Shraddha thali and their importance
The use of garlic and onion in the offering plate of ancestors is completely prohibited. Only food made with pure desi ghee and satvik ingredients is given place in the plate:
- Cow milk kheer: It is considered most important to have makhana or rice kheer in the Shraddha thali. Only cow’s milk is used to make it, while sugar candy or sugar is added for sweetness.
- Hot Puris: A stiff dough is kneaded by adding light flour and a pinch of salt to wheat flour. After this the puris are fried in pure oil or ghee.
- Pumpkin (Kohda) vegetable: According to religious beliefs, the offerings of vegetables growing on vines are especially dear to the ancestors. Therefore, pumpkin vegetable is prepared in a satvik manner without garlic and onion.
- Arbi vegetable: There is a tradition of including the tuberous roots that grow under the ground in the Shraddha food. Arbi is made with a seasoning of asafoetida, celery and fenugreek seeds.
- Plain gram dal: Boiled gram dal is served in a plate with a sprinkle of desi ghee, asafoetida and cumin seeds.
- Black sesame seeds and jaggery laddus: Without black sesame seeds, ancestral work and tarpan is considered incomplete. Laddus are made by mixing roasted black sesame seeds with syrup of jaggery and cardamom powder.
- Plain rice and seasonal fruits: Plain rice made without any spices and fresh seasonal fruits complete the balance of the thali.
opinion of scriptures
“Donation of satvik food and black sesame seeds during Pitru Paksha satisfies the ancestors and bestows blessings of happiness and prosperity in the family.”
ritual specialist
Things to keep in mind while preparing Shraddha food
While preparing Bhog, take special care of cleanliness and purity. Always prepare food in a sattvik environment and do not serve it to family members before offering it to the ancestors. After the plate is ready, do not forget to take out the first portion for the cow, dog and crow.