Every year, after the festive season begins to slow down, there comes a quieter and more reflective period in the Hindu calendar — Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha.

In Rajasthan, this period has always felt different from other festivals to me. There are no grand celebrations or loud decorations. Instead, the focus turns towards remembering our ancestors, offering food and water, and following traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Growing up, I have seen Pitru Paksha at home not simply as a religious period, but as a time when the family remembers those who are no longer with us.

In 2026, the main Pitru Paksha period begins with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27 and ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. Purnima Shraddha falls on September 26, which is why some calendars may show September 26 as the beginning of the Shraddha period. It is useful to distinguish Purnima Shraddha from the main Krishna Paksha sequence.

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a period traditionally dedicated to remembering and paying respect to departed ancestors.

The word Pitru refers to ancestors, while Shraddha is associated with performing rituals and offerings with faith and respect.

During these days, families perform Shraddha according to the tithi associated with the passing of an ancestor. Food, water and other offerings are made as part of these traditions.

The rituals can be different from one family to another. In Rajasthan, too, the way families observe Pitru Paksha can vary depending on their community, family tradition and local customs.

For me, the most meaningful part has always been the idea behind it — remembering the people who came before us and keeping their memories alive through simple family traditions.

Why Is It Called a 15-Day Shraddha Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is commonly described as a 15-day period of Shraddha.

The main sequence begins with Pratipada and continues through the lunar tithis until Amavasya. Different tithis are associated with Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on those particular dates.

In 2026, the main dates are:

September 26 is Purnima Shraddha, observed before the main Pitru Paksha sequence.

If you are observing a particular ancestor's Shraddha, the exact tithi is important, so it is best to follow your family tradition or consult your family priest.

What Happens During Pitru Paksha at My Home?

This is the part of Pitru Paksha that feels most personal to me.

Growing up, I have seen this period being observed at home in a very simple but meaningful way. On the day of Shraddha, the morning begins with a bath and preparations for the food that will be offered.

Food is prepared with care. In our family tradition, dishes such as kheer, malpua, mixed vegetable sabzi and puris are prepared.

There is something very different about cooking during Pitru Paksha. It is not just about preparing a meal for the family. There is a feeling that the food is first being prepared as an offering, with the memory of our ancestors in mind.

A kheer bhog is also offered, along with the traditional food prepared for the occasion.

After the offerings, a separate plate of food is kept on the rooftop for a crow.

In our traditional belief, the crow is associated with the ancestors, and when a crow comes and eats the food, it is considered a sign that the offering has been accepted by the Pitrs.

Of course, this is a religious and cultural belief, not something that can be scientifically established. But when you grow up seeing the same tradition being followed by your family, it becomes a deeply familiar part of the way you understand Pitru Paksha.

Why Is Food Offered to a Crow?

The crow has a special place in many Shraddha traditions.

Families traditionally offer food to a crow because it is believed to represent or carry the offering to the ancestors.

This is why you may see people waiting quietly after placing the food outside or on a rooftop.

For someone unfamiliar with the tradition, it may simply look like feeding a bird. But culturally, there is a deeper meaning attached to it — the food is being offered in remembrance of one's ancestors.

Feeding Brahmins and Offering Food

Another tradition I have seen during Shraddha is inviting Pandits or Brahmins for a meal after the offerings and rituals.

The food prepared for Shraddha is served respectfully, as part of the family's tradition of making offerings in memory of their ancestors.

In our family, sisters and daughters are also invited for food in the evening.

This is something I particularly remember because the thought behind it is beautiful — the belief that the food offered and eaten during the day should symbolically reach the ancestors through these acts of sharing and feeding.

These customs can differ between families, so there is no single way in which every household observes Pitru Paksha.

What Food Is Prepared During Pitru Paksha?

There is no universal menu for Shraddha because food traditions vary according to family and community.

In my experience, some of the traditional food prepared at home includes:

• Kheer

• Malpua

• Puri

• Mixed vegetable sabzi

• Other simple homemade dishes according to the family tradition

The important part is not the number of dishes but the feeling of offering and remembrance behind the meal.

The food is prepared with care, first offered as part of the Shraddha tradition and then shared with others.

What Is Pind Daan?

Pind Daan is another important ancestral ritual associated with Hindu traditions.

Pind refers to an offering, traditionally made using ingredients such as rice and other prescribed materials. It is offered as part of rituals performed for departed ancestors.

Pind Daan is especially associated with pilgrimage places such as Gaya, although ancestral rituals are also performed at other sacred places.

The exact rituals and procedures vary, so anyone planning Pind Daan should follow the guidance of their family priest or the priest at the pilgrimage site.

What Is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

The final and especially significant day of Pitru Paksha is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Amavasya Shraddha.

In 2026, it falls on October 10.

It is traditionally considered an important day for offering Shraddha to ancestors.

For families who do not know the exact tithi of an ancestor's passing, Amavasya Shraddha has particular importance in traditional practice.

This is also the day when the Pitru Paksha period comes to an end.

Pitru Paksha in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a strong tradition of family rituals, ancestral remembrance and temple culture, and Pitru Paksha naturally becomes part of this cultural landscape.

In Rajasthan and Mewar, these traditions are not limited to elaborate ceremonies. Much of what I have seen is actually very simple — preparing food at home, making offerings, feeding others and remembering family members who are no longer present.

That simplicity is what makes the period meaningful to me.

It reminds me that festivals are not always about celebration. Sometimes, they are about remembering.

What Should You Do During Pitru Paksha?

The exact practices depend on your family tradition, but commonly observed practices include:

• Performing Shraddha on the appropriate tithi

• Offering water to the ancestors

• Preparing traditional food as part of the ritual

• Offering food to a crow according to family tradition

• Feeding Brahmins or Pandits

• Sharing food with family members and others

• Performing Pind Daan where traditionally appropriate

• Remembering ancestors with respect and gratitude

Some families also keep their lifestyle particularly simple during this period.

There can be different rules regarding food, religious activities, purchases, ceremonies and auspicious events. These should not be treated as universal rules because customs vary considerably between families and communities.

Can You Start Something New During Pitru Paksha?

You may hear different opinions about starting new work, buying things, travelling, celebrations or other activities during Pitru Paksha.

Some families prefer to keep this period quiet and avoid certain auspicious ceremonies, while others follow their own traditions.

There is no need to treat every rule heard from others as applicable to every household. If something is important to your family, it is better to follow your family's established tradition or ask your family priest.

For me, the heart of Pitru Paksha has never been about fear or a long list of restrictions. It has been about respect, remembrance and feeding others in the name of our ancestors.

A Quiet Tradition I Have Grown Up With

When I think about Pitru Paksha, I don't first think about dates on a calendar.

I remember the preparations at home.

I remember waking up, taking a bath and seeing the food being prepared. Kheer, malpua, puris and sabzi would be made with care. The food would be offered, and a plate would be kept on the rooftop for the crow.

Then came the waiting.

The simple act of seeing a crow come and eat the food carried a meaning that I understood through the traditions of my family.

Later, Pandits or Brahmins would be served food, and in the evening, sisters and daughters would be invited to eat.

As a child, I may not have understood every ritual or its meaning. But growing up, I have come to understand that these traditions are one way families keep their connection with those who are no longer physically with them.

That is what makes Pitru Paksha personal for me.

It is not only about rituals. It is about remembering where we come from and the people whose lives became part of our family's story.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Important Dates at a Glance

• September 26, 2026 — Purnima Shraddha

• September 27, 2026 — Pratipada Shraddha

• September 28 — Dwitiya

• September 29 — Tritiya

• September 30 — Chaturthi

• October 1 — Panchami & Shashthi

• October 2 — Saptami

• October 3 — Ashtami

• October 4 — Navami

• October 5 — Dashami

• October 6 — Ekadashi

• October 7 — Dwadashi

• October 8 — Trayodashi

• October 9 — Chaturdashi

• October 10, 2026 — Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pitru Paksha begin in 2026?

The main Pitru Paksha sequence begins on September 27, 2026, with Pratipada Shraddha. Purnima Shraddha is observed on September 26.

When does Pitru Paksha end in 2026?

Pitru Paksha ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026.

Why is Pitru Paksha observed?

It is observed as a period for remembering and paying respect to departed ancestors through Shraddha, offerings, food and other traditional rituals.

Why is a crow fed during Shraddha?

In traditional belief, the crow is associated with the ancestors, so offering food to a crow is considered part of the ancestral offering in many families.

What food is prepared during Pitru Paksha?

Food varies by family and community. In my family tradition, dishes such as kheer, malpua, puri and mixed vegetable sabzi are prepared.

Is Pind Daan compulsory for everyone?

No single ritual should be assumed to be compulsory for every family. Pind Daan and other practices depend on family tradition, local customs and the guidance followed by the family.

Can the exact Shraddha date vary?

Yes. Shraddha is traditionally connected with the tithi of an ancestor's passing, and local calendars and family traditions can affect how the observance is followed. For an exact ritual date and timing, check with your family priest.

Remembering Our Ancestors

Pitru Paksha arrives quietly.

There are no loud celebrations, no colourful decorations and no festive excitement like many other Hindu festivals.

Instead, there is food prepared with care, prayers, offerings, family traditions and memories.

For me, that is what makes these days meaningful.

The traditions I have seen at home — from preparing kheer and malpua to keeping a plate for the crow, feeding Pandits and inviting sisters and daughters for food — have taught me that remembering our ancestors can be expressed through very simple acts.

Pitru Paksha is, ultimately, a time to pause, remember and be grateful for the generations that came before us.

Written by Pragya Puri Goswami
Founder | LakeCity Blog

Exploring Rajasthan through real stories, heritage, local businesses, food, and unforgettable travel experiences. 

 Some food businesses begin with a family recipe. Others begin with years of experience. But sometimes, a business begins with a simple observation — seeing something somewhere else and wondering why it doesn't exist in your own city.

That is how the story of Kunafa Bliss began in Udaipur.

What started with an observation made by Manthan Suthar, a medical student studying in Indore, eventually became an idea to introduce authentic, freshly prepared Kunafa to the people of Udaipur.
Today, Kunafa Bliss has found its place near Fateh Sagar, offering something a little different — live Kunafa, prepared in front of the customer.
And after visiting Kunafa Bliss myself, I can say that the experience is not just about the dessert. The attention to hygiene, the care taken during preparation and the warm way customers are treated are equally noticeable.

How the Idea Began

While studying in Indore, Manthan noticed a Kunafa cart at a local food street. But something caught his attention — the Kunafa being served there was not what he considered authentic.
That observation made him curious.
He began looking deeper into Kunafa, its preparation and its availability in India. During his research, he found that only a limited number of brands were offering what he considered authentic Kunafa.
For Manthan, this was more than just an interesting food discovery. It looked like an opportunity.
He started thinking about bringing this relatively unfamiliar dessert to Udaipur — a city where locals, families and travellers naturally come together to explore new food experiences.
That thought eventually became Kunafa Bliss.

What Exactly Is Kunafa?

For many people in Udaipur, Kunafa is still a relatively new dessert.
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert traditionally made using fine pastry strands, combined with a filling and finished with sweet syrup and toppings. Over time, different versions have become popular, including pistachio, cream and chocolate-based combinations.
At Kunafa Bliss, the idea was to make the experience more interactive by preparing the dessert live, right in front of the customer.

Why Kunafa?

When the concept was being developed, the founders felt that Kunafa was either unavailable in Udaipur or was commonly available in a frozen or pre-prepared format.
They wanted to do something different.
Instead of simply serving a ready-made dessert, their idea was to create a live Kunafa experience.
The preparation happens in front of the customer, with the ingredients being added and the dessert being assembled right before it is served.
For the team at Kunafa Bliss, this is not only about presentation. It is also about freshness, transparency and allowing customers to see what goes into their dessert.
And honestly, this is one of the things I noticed during my own visit.
I could see the ingredients being used and added right in front of me. There was no feeling of something being prepared secretly somewhere in the back and simply handed over.

My Experience at Kunafa Bliss

I recently visited Kunafa Bliss myself, and the first thing I noticed was the live preparation.
There is something satisfying about watching your dessert come together in front of you — from the Kunafa base to the fillings and toppings.
The team also pays attention to hygiene during the process. The ingredients are handled carefully, the preparation area is kept clean and customers can actually see what is being used.
Another small detail that I personally appreciated was the way they handle customer preferences.
If a customer wants a little extra sweetness or a particular addition, they are happy to accommodate it when possible. It makes the experience feel more personal rather than completely fixed or standardised.
For me, these little details matter when visiting a food place.
Good food is important, but so are clean preparation, proper ingredients, customer comfort and the way you are treated.

The People Behind Kunafa Bliss

Manthan is one of the people behind the idea of Kunafa Bliss, and what stood out to me personally was not just the business concept.
The people I interacted with at Kunafa Bliss were genuinely sweet and welcoming in nature.
They speak to customers with a smile, listen to what people want and remain involved in the experience rather than simply standing behind the counter.
That friendly interaction makes a difference.
When you are trying a dessert that you may have never tasted before, having someone explain it to you patiently and interact with you warmly makes the whole experience more comfortable.
It also reflects something important about a small food business — sometimes, customers remember how you made them feel just as much as they remember what they ate.

Why Fateh Sagar?

Choosing the location was another important part of the journey.
Fateh Sagar is one of those places in Udaipur where locals, families, youngsters and tourists naturally come together, especially during the evening.
The team felt that this made it an ideal setting for a live dessert experience.
Getting the location sorted was not completely effortless and took some time, but eventually everything came together according to the plan.
And today, the Kunafa counter has its place near one of Udaipur's most familiar evening destinations.
For someone already spending an evening around Fateh Sagar, stopping for a freshly prepared dessert makes the location even more convenient.

A Dessert You Can Watch Being Made

One of the defining ideas behind Kunafa Bliss is simple — don't just serve the dessert; let the customer experience its preparation.
Rather than preparing everything away from the customer, the process happens right in front of them.
You can watch the ingredients being added, see the layers coming together and then finally get your freshly prepared Kunafa.
The team believes that this visibility is closely connected with quality, hygiene and transparency.
From my own experience, I found this to be one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Kunafa Bliss.
There is a certain excitement in watching your order being prepared while knowing exactly what is going into it.

What Should You Try at Kunafa Bliss?

If you are visiting Kunafa Bliss for the first time, some of the popular choices include:

• Pistachio Kunafa

• Rabdi Kunafa

• Nutella with Pistachio

Each one offers a different way of experiencing Kunafa.

Pistachio brings the nutty flavour, Rabdi adds a familiar Indian dessert touch, while Nutella with Pistachio is for those who enjoy a richer, chocolate-forward combination.

If you are completely new to Kunafa, you can also ask the team about the flavours and choose according to your preference.

Hygiene and Small Details Matter

While visiting food places, I personally pay attention to more than just taste.

At Kunafa Bliss, I noticed that hygiene is given proper attention during the preparation and serving process.

The ingredients are handled in front of customers, the preparation area is kept clean and the team makes an effort to maintain a neat serving experience.

Even after customers finish eating, they are encouraged to dispose of their used paper plates in the proper dustbin rather than leaving them around the area.

It may seem like a small thing, but when a food business is operating in a busy public space like Fateh Sagar, these small habits make a difference.

For me, a good food experience is a combination of taste, cleanliness, ingredients, preparation and people — and these are the details I noticed during my visit.

The Challenge Was Not Just Selling Kunafa

Starting a new food concept comes with its own challenges.
For Kunafa Bliss, one of the biggest challenges was creating awareness — both about the location and about Kunafa itself.
Many customers were initially unsure about what Kunafa actually was.
Some even had a very basic question:
Is Kunafa vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
The team found themselves not only serving the dessert but also explaining it to customers.
They clarify that all their products are 100% vegetarian, helping first-time customers feel more comfortable trying something that may still be unfamiliar to them.
In many ways, educating customers became part of building the brand.

When Customers Become Part of the Story

According to the team, the response from both locals and tourists has been encouraging.
One particular customer experience has stayed with them.
A customer visited Kunafa Bliss with his family, and his brother, who had come from Dubai, recognised the brand from its social media reels.
After tasting one Kunafa, he liked it enough to immediately place nine more orders.
For a young food brand, moments like these can mean much more than a single sale.
They show the team that something they started as an idea is becoming a product people remember, recommend and return for.
The team says the love and appreciation they received from that family remains one of their memorable experiences.

From a Student's Observation to a Growing Brand

There is something interesting about the journey of Kunafa Bliss.
The initial idea did not come from someone sitting in a conventional food-business environment.
It began with a medical student noticing something while studying in another city.
That observation led to research.
Research led to an idea.
And that idea eventually became a live dessert business in Udaipur.
Today, Kunafa Bliss is looking beyond its current counter.
The immediate goal is to establish a dedicated Kunafa Bliss outlet.
Once successful outlets are established, the team plans to explore expansion through a franchise model.

More Than Just a Dessert Counter

Udaipur has always had its own relationship with food — from traditional local flavours to cafés, street food and newer concepts introduced for a younger generation and visiting travellers.
Kunafa Bliss is part of this changing food landscape.
Its story is not simply about bringing an Arabic dessert to Udaipur.

It is also about identifying a gap, taking the risk of introducing something relatively unfamiliar and then patiently helping people understand and experience it.
What began with one observation in Indore has now become a growing dessert venture near Fateh Sagar.
And after visiting the place myself, I feel that the experience is not limited to the Kunafa on the plate. The live preparation, attention to hygiene, visible ingredients and the warm nature of the people behind the counter are all part of what makes the visit memorable.
Sometimes, a small food counter becomes interesting not because it is trying to be complicated, but because it gets the simple things right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kunafa Bliss in Udaipur?

Kunafa Bliss is a live dessert counter near Fateh Sagar that specialises in freshly prepared, 100% vegetarian Kunafa.

What makes Kunafa Bliss different?

The Kunafa is prepared live in front of customers, allowing them to watch the preparation and see the ingredients being used.

Is Kunafa vegetarian at Kunafa Bliss?

Yes. According to the team, all products served at Kunafa Bliss are 100% vegetarian.

What should I try at Kunafa Bliss?

Some popular choices include Pistachio Kunafa, Rabdi Kunafa and Nutella with Pistachio.

Is Kunafa freshly prepared?

Yes. The concept of Kunafa Bliss is based around live preparation, with the dessert being prepared in front of customers.

Can I ask for extra sweetness or customisation?

Customers can communicate their preferences to the team, and when possible, the team is happy to accommodate requests such as additional sweetness.

Where is Kunafa Bliss located?

Kunafa Bliss is located near Fateh Sagar in Udaipur, making it a convenient stop while spending an evening around the lake.

Does Kunafa Bliss plan to open a dedicated outlet?

The immediate plan is to establish a dedicated Kunafa Bliss outlet. The team also hopes to explore expansion through a franchise model in the future.

A Sweet Beginning, With More to Come

Every growing business has a moment when an idea starts becoming real.

For Kunafa Bliss, that journey began with a medical student noticing something in Indore and wondering if he could bring a better version of that experience to his own city.

Today, that idea has become a live Kunafa counter near Fateh Sagar.

And perhaps the most interesting part is that the story is still being written.
For now, the message from Kunafa Bliss to Udaipur is simple — thank you for the love, support and encouragement.
And there is more to come.
Have you tried Kunafa before, or would Kunafa Bliss be your first taste of it?

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Written by

Pragya Puri Goswami
Founder | LakeCity Blog
Exploring Rajasthan through real stories, heritage, local businesses, food, and unforgettable travel experiences.