Pitra Paksha 2022: Can daughters do Pind daan?

The Pitra Paksha is a 16-day period meant for paying respects to the departed souls.

This year, it is going to be observed from 10 September to September 25.

Usually, shradh is done by the male progeny of the departed. In case, when the deceased has no male issues, what can be done? Read on to know more.

For the unversed, Pind Daan is a ritual of offering food (cooked rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds) to the crows. These birds are believed to be the representatives of Yama (God of Death) or agents of the dead.

Though men usually perform Shradh and do Pind Daan, it is said that ancient tradition did not prevent women from doing these rituals. Therefore, it is likely that the practices changed over time.

If the person has no sons, then the brothers and nephews of the family can be considered for doing the tarpan, but if this is also not possible, because the family is nuclear or is mutually separated, then the daughters and sisters can also perform the shradh.

After the tarpan, sattvic food is donated to a Brahman and it is believed that through this act, the ancestors bless their family.

Next: Pitru Paksha 2022: Important dates