Pitru Paksha 2025: Honouring Ancestors Through Food and Faith

In India, food is never just about eating — it’s about sharing, offering and remembering. As September brings the arrival of Pitru Paksha, households across the country prepare for a deeply spiritual fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors. Known as the “ancestral remembrance period,” Pitru Paksha is a time when families perform rituals to express gratitude and seek blessings from their ancestors.

What Is Pitru Paksha?

The belief is simple yet profound: our lives are rooted in the love and sacrifices of our ancestors, and by offering them food and prayers, we acknowledge their presence in our journey. Pitru Paksha, which begins immediately after Ganesh Visarjan, lasts approximately 16 days and is considered a sacred time for reflection, charity and rituals.

Families typically perform Shraddha ceremonies, which involve offering food and water to ancestors. The rituals are traditionally meant to be performed by the male members of the household — often the eldest son,  but the spirit of remembrance belongs to everyone in the family. And, with the correct knowledge, we all know where patriarchy tends to be most comfortable.

What Kind of Food Is Offered?

Food plays a central role in Pitru Paksha rituals. The offerings are believed to nourish the departed souls and bring peace to them. Some of the common items prepared include:

• Kheer (rice pudding with milk and sugar) – symbolizing purity.
  

• Pooris and seasonal vegetables – usually made simple, without onion and garlic.
  

• Dal and khichdi – humble staples that remind us of sattvik living.
  

• Fruits like bananas, guavas, or seasonal produce – always fresh and simple.
  

• Pind (rice balls with sesame seeds) – a key part of Shraddha rituals.
  

These dishes aren’t meant to be extravagant; they are sattvik, vegetarian, and prepared with sincerity. After the rituals, the food is often shared with family members, neighbours, and especially with the needy. Sometimes, one can even offer their departed loved ones food that they really liked which may not necessarily conform to the traditional “rules.” 

Purpose of Pitru Paksha

At its core, Pitru Paksha is about gratitude. It reminds us to pause in our busy lives and acknowledge that the homes we live in, the food we eat, and the traditions we follow are gifts passed down through generations. By offering food, we also learn the value of giving, both to ancestors and to those living among us.

For families in Noida and Greater Noida, preparing for Pitru Paksha doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Everyday essentials like fresh milk, ghee, paneer, rice, dals, and seasonal fruits are available for online delivery, hassle-free and straight to your doorstep. If you’re planning to prepare kheer, poori, or khichdi, ingredients like A2 milk, khapli atta, and cold-pressed oils from trusted local brands can easily be ordered.

Even items for prasad, like jaggery, honey, and dry fruits, are part of the FarmLokal basket, ensuring that what you offer is fresh, authentic and prepared with care.

A Time for Remembrance

Pitru Paksha isn’t just about rituals … it’s about connection. As you light a diya, prepare a simple plate of food, and whisper a silent thank-you to your ancestors, remember that these acts of love ripple forward. They nurture us just as much as they honour those who came before.

And sometimes, all it takes is a bowl of warm kheer or a freshly fried poori to make that connection feel alive again.