What should you do (and not do) on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

DO: (1) Wake up early and bathe in Ganga, Yamuna, or any flowing water, (2) Offer Tarpan (water with sesame seeds) to ancestors before sunrise or during the Aparahna Kaal, (3) Perform Pind Daan and Shraddha at a sacred tirtha or at home, (4) Feed Brahmins (Brahmin Bhoj) and donate to the needy, (5) Offer food to crows, dogs, and cows (considered messengers of Yama), (6) Light a ghee lamp and chant Pitru Sukta from Rig Veda. DON’T: (1) Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic, (2) Don’t start new ventures, purchases, or celebrations, (3) Avoid eating before completing Shraddha, (4) Don’t ignore the day — unmarked ancestors are believed to suffer disappointment and may cause Pitru Dosh.