Recently, a relative of mine (my father’s younger uncle’s daughter-in-law, aged 89) passed away. The Pangali Theetu (ritual impurity period for paternal kinsmen) is 10 days. We have no daily contact with them and haven’t seen them in over 30 years. During this period of impurity, how should we conduct ourselves at home? What rituals (Anushtanams) should be performed? I understand that Kuzhi Tharpanam (libation ritual) should be done on the 10th day. What else needs to be done at home? Currently, for the three daily prayers (Trikala Sandhyavandanam), I am only offering Arghyam and reciting the Gayatri mantra 10 times.

Regarding the period of impurity (Theetu), as you mentioned, performing Sandhyavandanam with just Arghyam Pradanam and Gayatri Japa is sufficient. Apart from this, one should not perform Brahma Yagnam or Tiruvaradhanam. This is the only requirement regarding daily rituals. In terms of personal conduct (Achara), one should not touch the vessels used for the Lord (Perumal). During the impurity period, the vessels you use for yourselves should be kept separate. Once the impurity period ends, those vessels must be purified before being taken back inside for general use. It is a well-known rule that you should not touch others during this time. The priest (Vathiyar) will guide you through the Kuzhi Tharpanams. Beyond this, there is nothing else specific to be done. You must not go to the temple or perform Veda Parayanam (reciting the Vedas). However, you may recite small Stotras (hymns) and Divya Prabandham (sacred verses) from within your own home.