Shraddh is a ritual families take seriously, and the details matter: the tithi, the items, who sits, what to cook. When you are also grieving or remembering, that is a lot to manage. A pandit leads the vidhi so you can focus on remembering.
Why it is done
Shraddh is the traditional ritual for remembering one's ancestors, with offerings of pind, water (tarpan) and food. Many families hold it on the death anniversary tithi and during Pitru Paksha. Practices vary a good deal by region and family.
Who it is for
Families holding an annual (varshik) shraddh; families observing Pitru Paksha; those who follow their family's custom for a parent or grandparent; anyone who wants the vidhi led by a pandit.
When to do it
Many families hold it on the tithi of the death anniversary, or during Pitru Paksha. Timing, often late morning, is usually chosen with care. Your pandit can suggest the tithi and timing, and your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 2 hours for the standard ceremony; about 3 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Sradham works well 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 the setup easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: A shorter shraddh with sankalp, pind and tarpan offerings, havan and aarti. It runs about 2 hours with one pandit and follows a sequence of around 15 vidhi steps.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: A fuller sequence with more offerings, more prayers and more time at each stage. It runs about 3 hours with one pandit and follows a sequence of around 22 vidhi steps.
Choose the standard for an annual shraddh with a small family. Choose the extended ceremony 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 pandit can share a list before the day.
The sequence
- Sankalp with the ancestor's name, gotra and tithi
- Purification and invocation
- Ganesh and kalash puja
- Remembering the ancestors (pitr dhyan)
- Pind offerings
- Tarpan with water and sesame
- Havan, if your family follows it
- Offering of food and brahmin bhojan or donations, as per custom
- Aarti and closing prayers
How to prepare
- Confirm the tithi with your pandit or family elders
- Share the names and gotra of the ancestors being remembered
- Keep a clean space and a level surface for the offerings
- Prepare simple food as per your family's custom
- Keep black sesame, kusha grass and water ready, or ask the pandit to bring them
- Decide whether to use pandit-arranged samagri or your own
Who should attend
Traditionally the eldest son or male heir sits, but many families now include daughters and others. Family members who wish to take part are welcome.
Your tradition
Shraddh differs a lot across communities, including the foods, number of pind, the use of Ganga jal and whether it is held at home or a tirtha. Tell us your community and custom when booking.
Safety
The ritual uses water, a lit diya and possibly a small havan. Keep flames on a stable surface and keep water spills from making the floor slippery.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 2 hours for the standard ceremony and about 3 hours for the extended one, plus a little time to set up.
Can it be done at home? Many families hold it at home. Some also travel to places like Gaya or Haridwar, depending on custom.
Who can perform it? Traditions differ. Many families have the eldest son sit, while others include daughters or other family members. Follow your family's custom.
What if our family follows a different sequence? Your family's custom takes priority. Share it when you book and the pandit will follow it where possible.