A beloved household puja to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan, with the five-chapter Satyanarayan Katha, commonly held on Purnima or after a happy milestone.
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Sarnath · Varanasi
Shraddha in Sarnath
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. Book an experienced Pandit for your home or venue in Sarnath, Varanasi.
Sarnath, Varanasi 2 to 3 hours At your home or venue Online also available
Overview
Shraddha for families in Sarnath
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.
Sarnath, a few kilometres north-east of central Varanasi, is revered around the world as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Its stupas, monasteries and museum draw pilgrims and visitors from many countries throughout the year.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Planning your puja in Sarnath
Rituals are arranged at homes and hotels, not at the Buddhist heritage sites.
Allow extra travel time if you plan to reach the ghats in Varanasi for a sunrise ritual.
Newer houses in the area often have terraces or open space suitable for a small havan.
Hotels here may host international guests; confirm the property allows a puja before planning.
Know the tithi of the ancestor's passing, or ask the Pandit to help identify it.
Bring names and gotra of the ancestors being honoured.
Shraddha traditions in Varanasi
- Pitru Paksha is the peak period, when ghats are busy from early morning.
- Shraddha is usually performed before midday; morning start times are common.
- Many families include Brahmin bhojan or daan; discuss arrangements in advance.
- Customs vary by region and community, so share your family's tradition with the Pandit.
How it is performed
- 1Tithi and Preparation
- 2Purification and Sankalp
- 3Invocation of the Pitrus
- 4Pinda Offering
- 5Tarpan
- 6Food Offering and Daan
- 7Concluding Prayers
What's 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
Samagri
- 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)
Samagri can be arranged on request for delivery in Sarnath.
Shraddha in Sarnath: FAQs
Can a Pandit come to my home in Sarnath for Shraddha?
Yes. Share your location in Sarnath, your preferred date and your family's tradition on WhatsApp. We confirm a Pandit who can come to your home, apartment or venue in and around Sarnath, Varanasi, along with timing and pricing before you book.
How far in advance should I book Shraddha in Sarnath?
For popular muhurat dates and festival seasons, it helps to enquire a week or two ahead where possible. For other dates, shorter notice is often manageable, we confirm availability on WhatsApp.
How much does Shraddha cost in Varanasi?
The cost depends on the vidhi, the number of Pandits, samagri and travel within Varanasi. We share a clear quote on WhatsApp after understanding your requirements, before you confirm anything.
What is the difference between Shraddha and Pind Daan?
Shraddha is the broader ritual of honouring ancestors, which often includes pind daan, tarpan and Brahmin bhojan. Pind daan refers specifically to the offering of pinds.
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.
Shraddha in nearby areas of Varanasi
- Shraddha in Assi Ghat
- Shraddha in Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Shraddha in Bhelupur
- Shraddha in Lanka
- Shraddha in Sigra
- Shraddha in Cantonment
- Shraddha in Godowlia
- Shraddha in Ramnagar
- Shraddha in Mahmoorganj
- Shraddha in Durgakund
- Shraddha in Kamachha
- Shraddha in Shivala
- Shraddha in Kedar Ghat
- Shraddha in Chowk
- Shraddha in Maidagin
- Shraddha in Nadesar
- Shraddha in Pandeypur
- Shraddha in Shivpur
- Shraddha in Sundarpur
- Shraddha in Ravindrapuri
- Shraddha in Rathyatra
- Shraddha in Luxa
- Shraddha in Orderly Bazaar
- Shraddha in Manduadih
- Shraddha in Panchganga Ghat
- Shraddha in Babatpur
- Shraddha in Chitaipur
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Book Shraddha in Sarnath
Share your address in Sarnath, preferred date and family tradition. We'll confirm a Pandit and pricing on WhatsApp.