A holy rite in which families offer pindas to honour departed loved ones and ancestors, performed with care by experienced Pandits in Kashi, by the Ganga.
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Ancestors (Pitru)
Shraddha
The rite of remembering and honouring departed parents and ancestors with offerings, prayers and food, performed with faith (shraddha) on their tithi or in Pitru Paksha.
In-person Online available2 to 3 hoursAlso: ShradhAlso: Shraddh
Overview
What is Shraddha?
Shraddha takes its name from the word for faith and sincere devotion. It is the rite through which families remember departed parents, grandparents and ancestors, offering pindas, water, sesame and food with prayers for their peace. Many families observe Shraddha every year on the tithi of a loved one’s passing and during Pitru Paksha.
A Shraddha usually includes sankalp, invocation of the Pitrus, pinda offering, tarpan and the offering of food, traditionally to Brahmins, and often also to cows, crows and those in need. The exact form varies across regions and families, and the Pandit follows the custom your family has observed.
Performing Shraddha in Kashi, by the Ganga, is considered especially meaningful by many families. We keep the process simple and respectful, with clear guidance before the day for those travelling to Varanasi.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Significance
In Hindu tradition, Shraddha is regarded as a holy duty of descendants, expressing gratitude to those who gave us life and values. It is traditionally believed that offerings made with sincerity bring peace and contentment to the ancestors.
Pitru Paksha, the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada (or Ashwin in some calendars), is traditionally dedicated to the ancestors. Observing Shraddha on the tithi corresponding to a loved one’s passing is a way of keeping their memory present within the family year after year.
Who performs it
- Sons, daughters or family members observing the annual tithi of a departed parent
- Families observing Pitru Paksha
- Families completing the first annual Shraddha (barsi) after a passing
- Those who wish to honour ancestors whose tithi is unknown, on Sarva Pitru Amavasya
When to perform
- On the death anniversary (tithi) of the departed, as per the Hindu calendar
- During Pitru Paksha, on the tithi matching the loved one’s passing
- On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, for ancestors whose tithi is unknown
- On Amavasya through the year, as per family custom
Traditionally associated with
- Families perform it to honour and remember departed loved ones
- Traditionally believed to bring peace and contentment to the ancestors
- Is believed to fulfil the duty of gratitude towards one’s forebears
- Keeps family memory and lineage alive across generations
- Food and daan offered are traditionally seen as acts of merit
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Tithi and Preparation
The Pandit helps confirm the correct tithi and explains preparation, including any food customs the family follows.
- 2
Purification and Sankalp
The performer purifies with Ganga jal and takes a sankalp with the names and gotra of the departed.
- 3
Invocation of the Pitrus
Ancestors are respectfully invoked with kusha grass, sesame and mantras.
- 4
Pinda Offering
Pindas of rice or barley flour, sesame and ghee are offered for the departed and earlier generations.
- 5
Tarpan
Water with sesame and kusha is offered to the ancestors with prayers.
- 6
Food Offering and Daan
Food is offered to Brahmins and portions are set aside for cows, crows and others, as per custom, along with daan.
- 7
Concluding Prayers
The rite concludes with prayers for the peace of the ancestors and the wellbeing of the family.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Rice or barley flour
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Kusha grass
- Ghee and honey
- Ganga jal
- Milk and curd
- White flowers and tulsi leaves
- Janeu (for the performer, as per custom)
- Leaf plates (pattal)
- Chandan and akshat
- Diya and incense
- Satvik food prepared as per custom (often kheer and puri)
- Clothes or items for daan, as the family wishes
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit familiar with ancestral rites
- Sankalp with the names and gotra of the departed and the family
- Guidance before the day on tithi, preparation and customs
- Vidhi as per the family’s tradition
- Guidance on where Shraddha is traditionally performed in Varanasi
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Not included
- Travel and stay in Varanasi
- Boat hire on the Ganga
- Brahmin bhojan or food daan (can be arranged on request)
- Items given as personal daan
Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Where the family’s tradition permits, Shraddha is performed in Varanasi on your behalf
- · Share the names, gotra and tithi of the departed on WhatsApp
- · Take the sankalp live with the Pandit on a video call
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Shraddha across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Shradh
- Hindi
- Taddinam
- Telugu
- Thithi
- Tamil
- Pitru Karya
- Kannada
- Shraddh
- Spelling variant
- Barsi
- Hindi
- Pitru Paksha Shraddha
- Sanskrit
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Shraddha FAQs
How do we know the correct tithi for Shraddha?
Share the date and, if possible, the time and place of passing. The Pandit will work out the corresponding tithi in the Hindu calendar for the year.
How much does Shraddha cost?
It depends on the vidhi, number of Pandits, samagri, food daan and location. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
Can daughters or women perform Shraddha?
Practices vary. Traditionally sons often performed it, but many families today have daughters, wives or other relatives perform Shraddha. The Pandit will respect your family’s choice.
What if we do not know the tithi of an ancestor?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha, is traditionally observed for all ancestors, including those whose tithi is not known.
Can Shraddha be performed if we live abroad?
Where the family’s tradition permits, it can be performed in Varanasi on your behalf, with the sankalp taken live on a video call.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Shraddha
The simple, holy offering of water with sesame and kusha to the ancestors, traditionally performed in the Ganga at Kashi during Pitru Paksha and on Amavasya.
Details Book nowA calm, devotional puja to honour the ancestors and seek their blessings, traditionally performed when Pitru Dosha is indicated or ancestral rites have been missed.
Details Book nowA specialised Shraddha offering three pindas for ancestors who may not have received regular rites, usually chosen with guidance from the family priest.
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.