In Sanatan Dharma, the 16 days of Pitru Paksha holds great significance. This entire duration is dedicated to expressing reverence and respect for one's ancestors. During this time, people perform rituals such as *Tarpan* and *Shraddha* to ensure the peace and contentment of their ancestors' souls.

According to religious beliefs, it is considered best to perform the *Shraddha* ritual on the specific lunar day (*Tithi*) corresponding to the ancestor's passing; doing so is believed to yield special spiritual merit. Several rules are observed during Pitru Paksha to please the ancestors, ensuring they depart satisfied after receiving offerings from their descendants on earth.

One of the rules of Pitru Paksha is to abstain from cutting hair or beards and trimming nails during this period. Let us explore whether or not you should cut your hair or beard, particularly on the specific day of the *Shraddha* ritual.

When does Pitru Paksha begin?
This year, Pitru Paksha begins today, September 26. Those who observe *Shraddha* on *Purnima* (Full Moon day) will perform the rituals today; however, for others, the period begins on September 27 (*Pratipada*) and concludes on October 14 (*Sarvapitri Amavasya*). Throughout Pitru Paksha, rituals like *Pind Daan*, *Tarpan*, and *Shraddha* are considered paramount, and the practice of offering a meal to Brahmins (*Brahmin Bhoj*) holds special importance.

Should one cut hair, nails, or shave the beard during Pitru Paksha?
Generally, according to the guidelines of Pitru Paksha, one should not cut hair, shave, or trim nails throughout the entire 15 or 16-day period. While this rule applies to anyone in whose household *Tarpan* or *Shraddha* rituals are being performed for ancestors, it is particularly important to abstain from these activities on the specific day of the *Shraddha* ritual itself. This rule primarily applies to the person performing *Tarpan* or *Pind Daan* for their ancestors. Anyone who engages in actions contrary to ancestor worship during this period fails to receive the ancestors' blessings; instead, the ancestors become displeased and depart.

Who, specifically, should avoid cutting their hair and beard?
According to the *Manusmriti*, when a person undertakes a ritual or a vow (*Vrat*), they are advised against *Kshaur Karma*—activities such as cutting body hair, shaving the beard or mustache, or trimming nails. Since *Pitru Paksha* is considered a 16-day ritual dedicated to ancestors, it is best to abstain from these activities during this time.

The person performing ancestral rites—specifically, the daily *Tarpan* during *Shraddh Paksha*—must refrain from cutting their hair, beard, mustache, or nails. While others may trim their nails under special circumstances, they too should avoid cutting their hair. Furthermore, one should abstain from grooming or using items for personal adornment, as this entire period is dedicated to the ancestors.

During this time, you should focus your attention entirely on your ancestors to earn their blessings. Therefore, it is advisable to complete these grooming tasks before *Pitru Paksha* begins—specifically on the *Purnima* (full moon) day.

The period of *Pitru Paksha* is considered significant for repaying the ancestral debt (*Pitru Rina*); thus, descendants should dedicate all their actions during this time to the peace of their ancestors.

Apart from refraining from cutting hair and beards, there are several other rules one should follow during *Pitru Paksha* to ensure the ancestors' grace remains upon them.

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