Shraddha on 7th tithi; for ancestors who died on Saptami

Saptami Shraddha is the ancestral rite of Pitrupaksha performed on the Saptami tithi, the seventh lunar day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin, for forebears who departed on a Saptami of any month. The fortnight of the ancestors is held to be the time when the Pitru descend from Pitruloka to receive the offerings of their descendants, and each tithi is reserved for those who passed on that day. The karta bathes, takes the sankalp with the sacred thread worn to the right, and in the aparahna offers tarpan of water and black sesame through kusha grass, pinda of cooked rice, and a satvik meal to brahmins, keeping aside the shares of the cow, crow, dog and fire. Saptami is ruled by Surya, and many families also offer arghya to the Sun on this day, praying that the departed find light on their onward journey. Performing the rite with faith fulfils the pitru rina and is believed to remove pitru dosha, bringing harmony, health and prosperity to the household.

The karta observes satvik purity; food is eaten only after it has been offered to the ancestors and brahmins.