The libations of water for the dead (tarpanas) should not be dropped on the bare ground or into an iron or bronze vessel. Join the thumb to the index finger and the covered space below these closed fingers or between these two fingers is a sign of inviting the dead ancestors. With the other finger one should offer rice or food on the ground with deep devotion. The same rule operates in the case of the offering to Chitra. This is made while one begins to eat. This should not at all be eaten.