Why do we feed crows, cows and dogs on śrāddha day?

it is the pañcabali — sharing the first food with all beings; the crow is traditionally seen as a messenger of the ancestors.

Before the family eats, portions of the śrāddha meal are set aside for the cow (go-grāsa), the dog, the crow, the ants and for the gods or guests — together called pañcabali. The idea is that remembering our ancestors widens into care for all living beings. The cow represents nourishment and gentleness, the dog loyalty and the outcast, the ants the smallest creatures.

The crow has a special place: many families believe ancestors accept food through crows, and some wait for a crow to take the piṇḍa before eating. If no crow comes, do not worry or read it as a bad sign — crows are fewer in cities, and their absence says nothing about your ancestors' happiness.

In a flat or abroad, you can keep food on a balcony or in a park for birds, give it to a cow shelter, or feed street animals. The spirit of sharing is what counts.

Source: Garuḍa Purāṇa; gṛhya tradition of bali offerings

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