6 things to not do that can upset the ancestors during Pitra paksha

In India, and especially in Hindu families, there is a 16-day period dedicated to the deceased ancestors and their well-being. This period is known as Pitra paksh, or Shraad period, and many different rituals and ceremonies are done to ensure the happiness and safety of the ancestors.
And while people always remember the things that they need to do during this period, for example, puja, hawans, feeding the cows, and the likes, they often forget that with the do’s, there are also some don'ts.
Here we mention 6 things one must not do during the Pitra paksh as it can lead to upsetting their ancestors.

During the Pitra paksh, there are certain animals that are linked to the rituals and processes that we follow. For example, crows are seen as messengers of the ancestors, the cows are fed food for well-being, and dogs too are considered sacred during this time. And so, as they all have a link to the ancestors, their well-being, and their happiness in the other realm, it is very important to not hurt or disrespect these or any other animals for they too contain life.
Feeding them is seen as a way to gain the blessings of the Gods and the ancestors, and hurting them is bound to incur their wrath.

During the Pitra paksh, it is said that our deceased ancestors are closest to us, and approach us in various forms and ways. And so, it is best to not harbour any negative emotions during this time as it can interfere with your energies. As Pitra paksh is the time for connecting with our ancestors on a spiritual level, bad feelings can obstruct this connection and will result in a bad image.
It is believed that cursing, holding onto grudges, speaking ill to or about someone, and the likes make a barrier between the pure, departed souls, and the humans on Earth.
So, resolve your differences, don’t engage in fights or arguments, and maintain a calm energy throughout the time.

Pitra paksh is the time to reconnect with the energy of your ancestors. It is the time when the purest of souls interact with their families on Earth, and so, we too should do it with pure intentions and energy. And tamasic food, or food that ‘indulges’ our desires and our wants, should be avoided by all means during this time.
Non-vegetarian food, food that is high in spices, or even things like alcohol that cause intoxication should be avoided at all times, especially during the Pitra paksh.
So, for the 16 days of Pitra paksh, stick to Sattvik food and avoid overindulging in food.

A very important part of keeping your ancestors happy during the Pitra paksh, is doing Pind daan. And Pind daan is basically donating (daan) some food and grains.
In Pind daan, people rice balls, known as ‘pind’ to the departed souls, and with it are some simple spices, some oil, pulses, and the likes. This is then donated to a priest or a Brahmin, usually one of old age, and is seen as a food offering to the ancestors to make sure they don't go hungry in their walk back to the higher realms. It is also said that if Pind Daan is not performed, the souls of the departed will remain restless, and unable to attain moksha.

On a specific day in the 16-day Shraad period, there is a puja done in the homes to honour their ancestors. On the day of the main puja, people prepare and offer food, water, and prayers to the souls of the departed. While preparing the food for Shraad, it is important to remember that it is meant first for the ancestors and should not be eaten by the people of the family before it is offered to them and the Gods.
Eating the food offered in Shraad rituals is extremely disrespectful and can anger the ancestors.

During the day of the Shraad puja, a Brahmin, or a priest, is called to perform the rituals and ceremony. And for Hindus, Brahmins (especially those who perform Pujas) are basically the intermediaries between them and Gods. And so, during the Pitra paksh, and even before or after that, never disrespect a Brahmin. Disrespecting the priests in any way, be it through rude behaviour, or by questioning their ability, or even by not hosting them properly, is said to upset the priest, anger the Gods, and also the ancestors.

So, make sure you give the priest the dakshina, treat him well, feed him well, and host him with warmth in your home as he will make sure that you ancestors are pleased and well.