Shraddha in Varanasi

Shraddha samagri list

• 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

The Pandit confirms the final list for your family's vidhi, and can arrange the samagri in Varanasi on request.

Shraddha vidhi, step by step

1. 1Tithi and Preparation. The Pandit helps confirm the correct tithi and explains preparation, including any food customs the family follows.
2. 2Purification and Sankalp. The performer purifies with Ganga jal and takes a sankalp with the names and gotra of the departed.
3. 3Invocation of the Pitrus. Ancestors are respectfully invoked with kusha grass, sesame and mantras.
4. 4Pinda Offering. Pindas of rice or barley flour, sesame and ghee are offered for the departed and earlier generations.
5. 5Tarpan. Water with sesame and kusha is offered to the ancestors with prayers.
6. 6Food 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. 7Concluding Prayers. The rite concludes with prayers for the peace of the ancestors and the wellbeing of the family.