The food is divided into five parts, which is known as panchabali.
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha will commence on September 29 and last until October 14.
Pitru Paksha, or Shradh, is considered an important period for the Hindus, as they believe that during this time the departed ancestors of the family come back to earth in the form of animals and bless their families. During this period, Hindus offer prayers to their ancestors in the form of Shradh. People follow many rituals during this time like Pind Daan, Shradh, and Tarpan to the departed souls. According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha will commence on September 29 this year and last until October 14. During this period, the devotees are expected to pray to their ancestors and offer them food. Five different parts of food, known as panchabali, are offered during this period. Reportedly, consuming non-vegetarian food is also strictly prohibited during Pitru Paksha.
During the period of Pitru Paksha, it is believed that our ancestors come, visit us in the form of animals and bless the families. Reportedly, the food made during this time is taken out for animals and birds, as it is believed that Shradh is not complete without doing this.
According to reports, the correct way to do Shradha is to make food in a burning pot. The five parts of the food are for a dog, crow, cow, ant, and gods.
As per Hindu traditions, the five parts taken out of the food represent the five elements of the world. An ant is considered a symbol of the fire element, a dog a symbol of the water element, a cow represents the earth element, a crow air element and gods are considered symbols of the space element.
This is the main reason why panchabali is taken out of the food during Pitru Paksha. Prayers are also offered while taking out food for the ancestors.
