5 vegetarian dishes that you can eat during Pitru Paksha (Shraadh)

Hindus take pride in many things, such as religion and customs. Another aspect of Hinduism that is given equal if not more importance is ancestry. A period of fifteen days, called Pitru Paksha is dedicated towards paying homage to one’s ancestors, in the form of food offerings. The period begins on the last full moon day in the lunar month of Bhadrapada and the last day of the period, known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, is the most significant day of the Pitru Paksha.

Although the ritual is observed differently by different people, it traditionally consists of a few disciplinary practices, with the most important one being a strict dietary regimen consisting of no non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, or any junk food. Such foods are considered inauspicious or ashudh. During the period of pitru paksha, special Satvik Bhojan is prepared and offered to priestly Brahmins, as it is believed that food offered to them reaches our ancestors. With many people taking part in this ritual, we list down some simple yet tasty dishes that can be consumed while keeping with the dietary norms.

This is the season of spinach, and with that comes a fresh and healthy palak recipe, which requires mild seasoning and crushed paneer. Consume it with moong dal or toor dal, and you have yourself a wholesome palak bhurji meal.

Apart from being carved for Halloween, pumpkin has a special place at the time of Pitru Paksha. An easy recipe where pumpkin pieces are cooked in a variety of masalas and served with poori makes for one of the tastiest dishes. Again, there is no need of onions or garlic.

Guar (cluster beans) is a popular dish in most of North India, and it is delicately cooked with spices and yogurt. It is easy to make and can be prepared without onions or garlic. Combine it with dal to make your meal more delicious and wholesome.

Khichdi is one of the most popular homemade comfort foods, and is synonymous with being prepared when having digestive problems. Making the dish with bajra and moong dal, and topping it with a dollop of ghee can make for a quick and wholesome lunch.

Last but not the least, we end the list with the simplest yet most loved dish. A peppery flavoured mint dish, pudina rice is easy to make and does not require too much garnishing. Just top it with some yogurt and you have a healthy vegetarian meal.