Does not having a funeral on the 13th cause Pitra Dosh? Know what the beliefs say

Garuda Purana

Many questions arise in the minds of people regarding the religious rituals performed after the death of someone close to them. The most common question among these is that if the funeral feast is not held on the thirteenth day, then does Pitra Dosh occur? Many families are unable to organize a collective feast due to financial, social or any other reason, due to which there is a fear in their mind that their ancestors might get angry with it. According to religious beliefs, there is no direct answer. There is no Pitra Dosh just by not having a funeral feast on the thirteenth day. Because in Hindu tradition, the importance of Thirteenth is related to the peace of the soul of the deceased and the religious rituals performed for it, and not to the organization of a big feast. Let us understand this in more simple language.

What is the importance of thirteenth in Garuda Purana?

Garuda Purana According to, the meaning of Thirteenth is to pray for the peace of the soul of the deceased, to make his journey to the afterlife easier and to perform necessary religious rituals to liberate him from the ghostly life. On this day, family members perform puja, tarpan, pind daan and charity with devotion and rituals. It is believed that these religious activities bring peace to the soul.

When does Pitra Dosh occur?

In Hindu religion, Pitra Dosh is not related only to death feast. Pitra Dosh is considered when a person does not perform religious duties towards his ancestors properly. Therefore, if the family does not perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, Shraddha intentionally or due to negligence, then according to religious beliefs the ancestors may get angry, which is linked to Pitra Dosh. Therefore, the reason for Pitra Dosh is not considered to be the absence of a funeral feast, but rather ignorance of the essential religious duties towards the ancestors.

Is it necessary to have a big feast on the thirteenth?

In religious texts and traditions, it is not necessary to organize a grand feast on the thirteenth day. The scriptures mainly mention the importance of offering food to some Brahmins with devotion, giving donations and praying for the peace of the soul of the deceased. Therefore, if a family is not able to organize a funeral on a large scale, then there is no need to worry. According to religious beliefs, after death, more importance has been given to service and charity than to show off or big events. The scriptures say that if in the memory of the deceased, food is provided to the needy, the poor are helped or charity is done, then this is also considered very virtuous.

True faith is considered the greatest religion

There is a religious belief that the best way to please the ancestors is to remember them with a true heart, pray for them and do deeds. Devotion, service and charity are considered to be more important than merely following formalities or organizing a big feast due to social pressure. Therefore, if on the thirteenth day, Tarpan, Pind Daan, Brahmin food, charity and service to the needy are done with devotion, then it is considered sufficient from the religious point of view.

Also read: Garud Puran: Donate or preserve, what does Garud Puran say about the belongings of a dead person?

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those subjects related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. The coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of the Akharas, the activities of the Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to the Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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