Why do we offer shraadh offerings to crows?

People observe shraadh to appease their ancestors. It is believed that performing rituals during shraadh appease our ancestors or pitra so that protect and bless the family.

One such ritual of shraadh is to offer food to the crows. Crows have been associated with ancestors since the ‘treta yug’. It is believed that Jayant, the son of Indra, hurts Sita disguised as a crow. In responses, Lord Rama takes hay and uses it as an arrow and pieces one of Jayants eyes.

Realising his mistake, Jayant seeks Lord Rama’s forgiveness. The kind Rama, forgives Jayant and blesses with a boon that food offered to crows will reach the ancestors.

Since then, crows have been associated with ancestors. It is also believed that the crowns who can just see through one eye and hence everyone is equal before them. Similarly, people worship their ancestors, seeking their blessing and forgiveness for their sins.