Pitru Paksha has started and in such a situation, many questions arise in the minds of people regarding the traditions related to Shraddha. One of these questions is that if the crow does not eat the food taken out for the ancestors, then is the Shraddha considered incomplete? In religious beliefs, crows have been associated with ancestors, hence special importance is given to eating its food, but the absence of crows in itself is not considered a sure sign that the Shraddha is incomplete.
Instead of getting worried in such a situation, the remaining rituals of Shraddha should be completed with devotion. According to beliefs, the food taken out for crows can be fed to cows. Apart from this, food can also be kept for dogs, ants and other birds.
Why are crows fed?
On the day of Shraddha, when food is prepared for the ancestors, a small portion of it is kept aside for the crows also. There is a religious belief behind this. In Hindu tradition, crows are associated with ancestors and are also considered messengers of Yamraj. There is a belief that when a crow eats food kept with reverence, it is considered a sign of the offering reaching the ancestors.
What does it mean to not eat crow?
If no crow is seen for a long time after keeping the Shraddha food, then there is no need to worry about it. Not eating crow’s food does not prove that the Shraddha remained incomplete. Nowadays, crows are not easily seen on the roofs of houses like before, so sometimes the reason for their absence may be completely normal. In such a situation, instead of keeping the fear of any untoward incident in mind, one should complete the Shraddha ritual with devotion.
What to do if a crow does not eat food?
If a crow is not seen nearby after serving Shraddha food, then there is no need to worry. In such a situation, the portion taken out for crows can be fed to the cow. In religious beliefs, feeding a cow is considered auspicious.
Along with this, a small portion of food can also be kept for dogs, ants and other birds. It is seen to be linked to the tradition of Panchabali. That is, even if the crow does not come, the tradition of offering food can be followed by taking the food taken out with reverence to other living beings.
Where can you keep food?
Even after waiting for a long time, if no crow or other creature is seen nearby, there is no need to worry. In such a situation, food can be kept with reverence in a temple, under a tree or in any clean and holy place. The most important feeling and respect is considered in Shraddha, hence instead of having any kind of worry in mind due to the absence of crows, one should remember one’s ancestors with reverence.
Note: These things are based on religious beliefs. Read Hindi does not claim its complete authenticity or authenticity.