Some call it as a bad or good omen. In fact, there are certain indications or signs which foretell us that something good or bad is going to happen., These have been observed by experts over centuries before coming to a conclusion. Many of them are signals sent by nature. For example, birds and animals lose their sense of navigation due to distorted magnetic fields during an earthquake and start creating a ruckus by screaming and flying or running astray. They have subtler senses than human beings and easily catch good or bad signals. Dogs and elephants are supposed to differentiate from good and bad people.
PitruPaksha is a 15-day period observed by the Hindus from the Purnima(Full moon) of month of Bhadon to Amavasya(no moon) of month of Aswin. It is believed that the souls of the ancestors come down to earth during this period and stay with their families. So lot of rules are observed by Hindus and they do not take up any important work or assignment during these 15 days.
This year, the PitruPaksha is from 24th of September to 8th October. Lot of people visit Gaya in Bihar or Varansi(Kashi) and offer Pinda in the river Ganga. Those who do not know or remember the day of death of their parents can do shraddha on the day of Amavasya. The shraddha of those dying due to mishap is done on the fourteenth day of the descending moon. Generally, the shraddha of the father is done on the eight day and that of mother is done on the ninth day of PitruPaksha.
Those doing shraddha during PitruPaksha should not cook at home and have Satwik cooked food from the house of friends or relatives. They should not apply oil on the body and observe Brahmacharya(celibacy). They should not shave or cut their hair.
Iron utensils should not be used during this period. It is said that feeding Brahmins is very auspicious in PitruPaksha.
It is forbidden to but anything new during PitruPaksha as one is in mourning.
It is believed that the soul of ancestors may come in any form to ask for shraddha/panda. So animals or beggars should not be looked down upon.
Food should be offered first to cattle, dogs, cats or crows before eating. It is believed that the ancestors receive their due in their form! The ladies of the house should not eat the food cooked for the shraddha.
VaastuShastra offers solutions for almost all sorts of problems. The ancient pundits said and wrote down rules for having a peaceful life. They are listed as Vaastu advice as Vaastu is related to living besides architecture. Some of them are precautions against negative energy forms. By following these tips, one can protect himself from getting cheated. As the going has become tougher, more and more people have resorted to cheating to get the better of others. People cheat each other over smallest of matters. It can be in love, studies, examinations, jobs, bribing to get ahead of others, financial cheating, etc., etc.