What is the importance of Yel (Tamil)/Tilli (Hindi)/Seasme (English)? The Seasme seeds are considered to be sacred and it satisfies the hunger and the thirst of your ancestors. When the seasme seeds are offered to the dead ancestors along with the water, it slowly reduces the binding relationship between the dead ancestors and their erstwhile members of the family. When the bond between the dead ancestors and their family members are broken, then the departed soul would be ready to make another journey for a re-birth in another family. Thus the Seasme seeds acts as a catalyst to break the bond between the living family members and the dead ancestors. Do's and Dont's while doing Pithru Tharpanam: 1. Never do this Pithru Tharpanam without taking head bath and your body & mind should be clean and calm. 2. Must do this Pithru Tharpanam on empty stomach (no coffee/water too) 3. Never eat Non Vegetarian foods on the day that you do this ritual. 4. It is highly sinful