Remembering a loved one each year is meaningful, but arranging the rituals can feel heavy: the right tithi, the sequence, the offerings. A pandit leads the vidhi at a steady pace, so your family can focus on remembering.
Why it is done
Basarik or Varshik Shraddha is the traditional yearly ceremony held on the death anniversary according to the Hindu calendar. Families remember the departed through prayers, offerings, and in many families a meal for brahmins or the needy. How it is done varies widely.
Who it is for
Families observing the first or later annual anniversary of a parent, grandparent or other relative; sons and family members who want guidance on the vidhi.
When to do it
Traditionally it is held on the tithi of the death in the Hindu calendar, often at a particular time of day. Your pandit can confirm the tithi and a suitable time. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Basarik Shraddha works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier. The family arranges the offerings at home.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: one pandit, about 14 vidhi steps. Sankalp, prayers and offerings to the departed, and a closing. A good fit for a quiet family observance.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: one pandit, about 21 vidhi steps and more time. Fuller prayers and offerings in the family's tradition.
Choose the standard for a simple observance. Choose the extended if your family follows the fuller vidhi.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
The sequence
- Sankalp with the family and the departed's details
- Ganesh pooja to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Prayers and offerings for the departed
- Offerings of food and water in the family's custom
- Pind or other offerings, where the family follows that tradition
- Aarti and closing prayer
- Food is offered, and then shared by the family
How to prepare
- Confirm the tithi with your pandit or family elders
- Keep the name, gotra and relationship details of the departed ready
- Prepare a simple, vegetarian meal as your family follows
- Choose a clean, quiet space for the ritual
- Keep a photo of the departed if your family does that
- Decide in advance whether you will use samagri from the pandit or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
Traditionally the son or the senior male family member sits for the rites, though families decide this for themselves. Other relatives can join.
Your tradition
Customs, offerings, the use of pind and tarpan, and who sits for the rites vary by region and community. Please share your family's custom when booking.
Safety
The ritual uses a lamp. Keep it on a stable surface away from curtains and children. If any offerings are made near water, take care with footing.
Questions
When is it held? Traditionally on the tithi of the death in the Hindu calendar, which can differ from the date on the English calendar. Your pandit can confirm.
Is a meal required? Many families offer a meal after the rites, but practice varies.
Who can do it? Traditionally a son or senior male relative. Families decide who sits, and your pandit follows your custom.
Can it be held at home? Yes. Many families hold it at home.
Can we do it on video? Yes. The pandit leads on video while the family offers items at home.