What is Panchbali Shraddha? Without this, your enjoyment does not reach the fathers:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The time of Pitra Paksha is to remember our ancestors and express their respect for them. In these days, we perform many rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan and Pindadan, so that the soul of our ancestors will be peaceful. We often think that only by giving food to Brahmins, the karma of Shraddha is completed, but according to the scriptures, there is a very important ritual without which Shraddha is considered incomplete. This ritual is called ‘Panchbali’.

What is this ‘Panchbali’ after all?

‘Panchbali’ means extracting food fraction for five creatures. It is believed that on the day of Shraddha, our ancestors can come to our door in any form. Therefore, whatever food is made for the ancestors, it is offered to these five creatures before the family’s food. It is believed that by doing this, the ancestors are satisfied and give their blessings to the family. If this ritual is not completed, then the virtuous fruit of Shraddha is not found.

Food is extracted for these five creatures:

Five different parts of Shraddha’s food are extracted on the leaf.

1. Gau Bal (for cow): The first part is given to the cow. In Hinduism, cow is considered revered and sacred. By providing food to the cow, our enjoyment reaches all the gods and goddesses.
2. Scheme (for dog): The second part is given to the dog. The dog is considered to be the messenger of Yama and it protects us from the negative forces around us.
3. Kak-Bal (for crows): The third part is placed on the roof for the crow. Crows are considered to be the form of ancestors. It is believed that if the crow takes your given food, then it means that your fathers are happy and satisfied with you.
4. Dev-Bal (for the gods): The fourth part is offered in the fire in the name of the gods. If you cannot do this, then you can also keep it in a temple.
5. Pipilika-Bal (for ants): The fifth and last part is kept near their bill for ants and other small insects. It shows that we also express gratitude to the smallest creature.

This ritual of Panchabali is not just a tradition, but is a symbol of our respect and gratitude to nature and every living being. By doing karma from this simple, not only brings peace to our ancestors, but also brings happiness, peace and prosperity in the family.