Durga Puja is a few days away. Before that Pitru Paksha (Pitru Paksha 2026). This year Pitra Paksha starts on 26 September, Saturday, at 10:20 PM. Ends October 10. It is the perfect moment to remember and honor the ancestors as prescribed by the scriptures. Rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan, Pinddan are performed during this time in most of the families. Hence, there is a rule to clean the house before the start of Pitra Paksha. Some things are inauspicious to keep in the house at this time. According to Sanatana Shastra, on this Punyalagna of Mahalaya, the ancestors come to mortals and examine the gross and subtle energies of the house of descendants.
According to classical belief, the home environment is not just a geographical space, but a reservoir of energy. If stagnation, decay or impurity accumulate there, it afflicts the subtle souls of the patriarchs. Therefore, it is imperative to remove certain elements from the house before the beginning of Pitra Paksha.
(1) Devalaya or Thakurghara of the house is the focal point of the sanctum sanctorum. If there is a fragmented idol or worn image, the energy connection is disrupted. Maintaining integrity and accuracy in the temple is the first condition for offering offerings to the ancestors.
(2) Movement in time is the sign of life. A clock that is stopped for a long time in the house basically indicates stagnation of time and energy. The main purpose of tarpana to the ancestors is to provide speed to the soul. So keeping a closed watch is not recommended from a classical point of view; Either activate it, or drain it quickly.
(3) Food is a symbol of perfection. The vessel in which food or drink is taken should be well-formed. Cracked or broken utensils in the kitchen carry messages of evil energy. Such useless utensils should be discarded in the house to avoid wasting energy and misery.
(4) Corroded iron or corroded metal increases tamasic energy. Sattguna needs to predominate in the invocation of the ancestors. Corroded metal objects create negative inflections in the house, which can hinder the attainment of the tarpana's merits.
(5) Green plants are symbols of nature and life. Keeping dry, dirty or lifeless plants in the house is an indicator of stagnation in life. Before Pithraksha it is necessary to cut off dry branches and decaying leaves to impart life-giving vitality.
Finally, remove unnecessary clutter from the dungeons or hidden corners of the room to make the space open and clear. Cleanliness, cleanliness and free flow of air are the best ways to love the patriarchs.