Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Why Crows Are Fed During Pitru Paksha Shradh Rituals
Pitru Paksha is a time when many Hindus remember and honour family members who have died.
It lasts about two weeks.
People perform special rituals and offer food.
They also feed crows.
According to the belief described in the article, crows can represent ancestors or carry messages to them.
Some believe ancestors receive the food through the crows.
Crows are also linked in Hindu mythology with Lord Yamaraj, the god of death.
The ritual is intended to honour ancestors and is believed to bring their blessings.
Pitru Paksha is a 15- or 16-day period for honouring ancestors in Hinduism.
The article says this year's observance runs from September 26 to October 10, 2026.
Hindus perform rituals including tarpan, pind daan and Shraddh during this period.
Crows are fed because they are believed to represent or carry messages from departed ancestors.
The tradition also associates crows with Lord Yamaraj and the realm of ancestors.
- Who
- Hindus observing Pitru Paksha and honouring their ancestors.
- What
- A tradition of feeding crows during Shradh as an offering associated with ancestors.
- When
- The article says Pitru Paksha is observed from September 26 to October 10, 2026.
- Where
- In Hindu religious practice; no specific location is stated.
- Why
- Crows are believed to represent or serve as messengers for ancestors and to carry offerings to them.
- Observance
- Pitru Paksha, also called Shradh Paksha
- Duration
- 15 or 16 days
- Dates stated
- September 26 to October 10, 2026
- Purpose
- Remembering and honouring ancestors
- Other rituals mentioned
- Tarpan, pind daan and Shraddh
- Crow belief
- Crows are viewed as representatives or messengers of departed ancestors.
- Mythological association
- Crows are associated with Lord Yamaraj and Yama-loka.