Pt. Shri. Pranesh Achar
Food / Eating
There is a question regarding the use of til (sesame seeds) and uddina bele (black gram). That is, whether sesame seeds and black gram can be used on Dashami and Dwadashi. The answer is that they should generally not be used. This rule is clearly mentioned here: ‘Tāṁśaṁ āśaṁ masūraṁ ca āṇḍṛtaṁ kāru bhāṣaṇam’.
On Dashami and Dwadashi, māṣa (which means black gram) should be avoided, as stated in the scriptures. However, when Shraddha (rituals for ancestors) fall on Dashami or Dwadashi, Shraddha should not be performed without black gram. Therefore, in such necessary situations, black gram may be accepted and used.
Similarly, sesame seeds are also generally prohibited on Dwadashi. But today, since it is Sankranti, the observance is not done today. We are observing Sankranti tomorrow. Hence, considering this special circumstance, it is necessary and permissible to use sesame seeds and jaggery.”**
