DONATE FOOD IN PLENTY DURING MAHALAYA PAKSHA

Offerings made during the period Mahalaya Paksha benefit all the departed souls, whether they are related to the performer or not. During this fortnight, no auspicious function should be performed, since pitrus are invoked during this time.
THE fifteen days after the Full Moon
(Krishna Paksha) in the lunar month Bhadrapada (September-October) is known as Mahalaya Paksha. Shradha (annual rites for the deceased) is performed during these days, either on the Thithi (day corresponding to the death) of the Parents or on the Mahalaya Amavasya day (New Moon Day),. This practice is prevalent among all Hindus, all over India, irrespective of their sub-castes. It is generally believed, that performing Shradha during this period, can even substitute the annual Shradha performance, on the exact death day. During this fortnight, no auspicious function should be performed, since pitrus are invoked during this time.
King Kama, when he left the mortal coil, ascended the heavens and the great charity he had done on earth was returned to him in many fold. But, it was all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any charity of food! He prayed to the Lord Yama. He was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency.
For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. On his return to the heaven, he had food in plenty. It is these fourteen days that are commemorated in the Mahalaya Paksha. Due to the grace of Lord Yama, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period (Mahalaya Paksha) benefit all the departed souls, whether they are related to the performer or not.
Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. One cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight, but all through the year.