Pitru Paksha Crow Feeding RitualIn Pitru Paksha, along with Shraddha and Tarpan, a tradition is also performed which is directly to our ancestors. During this time, people keep separate food for crows outside the house. It is believed that behind this it is not just a matter of feeding a bird, but a special religious belief to ancestors is hidden. After all, why are crows fed and what is the belief behind it? Let us know.

What is the belief of feeding crows during Pitru Paksha?

In the beliefs of Hindu religion, crow is considered the messenger of Yamraj and a symbol of ancestors. It is said that by feeding a crow with reverence during Pitru Paksha, that food reaches the ancestors. For this reason, there is a tradition of taking out separate food for the crow during Shraddha. It is believed that eating crow’s food satisfies the ancestors and the family gets their blessings.

This belief is also to Pitra Dosh

According to religious beliefs, feeding a crow is also linked to Pitra Dosh and Shani Dosh. It is believed that feeding crow regularly during Pitru Paksha can reduce the problems to Pitra Dosh. Due to this belief, many people bring out food for crows every day during this period.

How to get food for crows?

During Pitru Paksha, you can set aside a portion of home-made roti or satvik food for the crow. Keep it in a clean place and remember your ancestors in your mind and pray for the peace of their souls. In many houses there is a tradition of taking out second roti daily in the name of crow.

What to do if the crow does not come to eat food?

Many times, on the day of Shraddha, the crow is not visible or does not eat the food kept for it. There is no need to worry in such a situation. According to religious belief, the food taken out in the name of crow can be fed to a cow or dog. Feeding an animal instead of throwing away food is a way to fulfill this tradition.

Pitru Paksha will start from this date

According to the Panchang, this year Pitru Paksha will start from Saturday, 26 September 2026. Purnima Shraddha will be performed on this day. After this, the main Shraddha Paksha will start from 27th September with the Pratipada of Ashwin Krishna Paksha. At the same time, Pitru Paksha will end on October 10, 2026, on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya.