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.
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Ancestors (Pitru), Devas and Rishis
Tarpan
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.
In-person Online available45 minutes 1.5 hoursAlso: TarpanamAlso: Pitru Tarpan
Overview
What is Tarpan?
Tarpan means ‘to satisfy’ or ‘to offer contentment’. In this rite, the performer offers water mixed with black sesame, holding kusha grass, while remembering departed family members by name. It is one of the simplest ancestral rites, yet traditionally regarded as deeply meaningful.
Many families perform Tarpan standing in the Ganga at the ghats of Varanasi, especially during Pitru Paksha and on Amavasya. Tarpan is often included within Shraddha or Pind Daan, and can also be performed on its own.
The Pandit recites the mantras and guides the performer step by step, including how to hold the kusha and direct the water, so that families unfamiliar with the rite can perform it calmly and correctly.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Significance
Traditionally, Tarpan is offered to three groups, the Devas, the Rishis and the Pitrus, acknowledging the debts of gratitude a person owes to the divine, to the sages who preserved knowledge, and to the ancestors. Offerings of water are believed to bring peace and contentment to those remembered.
The Ganga is traditionally regarded as a purifying river, and offering Tarpan in its waters at Kashi is considered especially holy by many families. Its simplicity also allows families to observe it regularly, keeping remembrance part of everyday devotion.
Who performs it
- Family members wishing to honour departed parents and ancestors
- Families observing Pitru Paksha or Amavasya
- Visitors to Varanasi who wish to offer Tarpan in the Ganga
- Those performing Shraddha or Pind Daan, as part of the rite
When to perform
- Daily during Pitru Paksha, as many families observe
- On Amavasya, especially Sarva Pitru Amavasya
- On the death anniversary (tithi) of the departed
- During solar or lunar eclipses and on certain festivals, as per custom
Traditionally associated with
- Families perform it to express gratitude to their ancestors
- Traditionally believed to bring peace and contentment to the Pitrus
- Acknowledges the traditional debts to the Devas, Rishis and ancestors
- A simple rite that allows regular remembrance
- Offering in the Ganga at Kashi is considered especially holy
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
Snan and Purification
The performer bathes, ideally in the Ganga, or purifies with Ganga jal.
- 2
Sankalp
The Pandit guides the sankalp with the performer’s name, gotra and the purpose of the Tarpan.
- 3
Deva Tarpan
Water is offered to the Devas with the fingertips, facing east.
- 4
Rishi Tarpan
Water is offered to the Rishis, with the janeu positioned as per custom.
- 5
Pitru Tarpan
Water with black sesame is offered to the ancestors, facing south, remembering each by name.
- 6
Concluding Prayers
The rite concludes with prayers for the peace of the ancestors and the family’s wellbeing.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Kusha grass or kusha ring (pavitri)
- Ganga jal
- Copper or brass vessel (lota)
- Plate or tray (as per custom)
- White flowers
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Barley (jau)
- Chandan
- Janeu (for the performer, as per custom)
- Clean dhoti or simple clothing for the performer
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 family and the departed
- Guidance before the day on preparation and timing
- Step-by-step vidhi as per tradition
- Guidance on the ghat where Tarpan is traditionally performed
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Not included
- Travel and stay in Varanasi
- Boat hire on the Ganga
- Food daan or Brahmin bhojan (can be arranged on request)
Duration: 45 minutes 1.5 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, Tarpan is offered in the Ganga on your behalf
- · Share the names and gotra of the departed and the family on WhatsApp
- · Take the sankalp live with the Pandit on a video call
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Tarpan across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Tarpanam
- Telugu
- Tharpanam
- Tamil
- Pitru Tarpan
- Hindi
- Tarpana
- Kannada
- Amavasya Tarpanam
- Tamil
- Pitru Tarpana
- Sanskrit
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Tarpan FAQs
What is the difference between Tarpan and Shraddha?
Tarpan is the offering of water with sesame to the ancestors. Shraddha is a fuller rite that usually includes Tarpan along with pinda offering and food daan.
Can women perform Tarpan?
Practices differ between families and communities. Many families today include daughters and women in ancestral rites. The Pandit will follow your family’s wishes.
How much does Tarpan cost?
It depends on the vidhi, whether it is combined with other rites, samagri, boat hire and location. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
Do we need to enter the Ganga for Tarpan?
Many families stand in the Ganga at the ghat steps, but it is not essential. Tarpan can be offered from the steps, and the Pandit will guide you on safe, suitable spots.
What should we bring to Varanasi for Tarpan?
A change of clothes and a towel if you plan to bathe in the Ganga, and the names of the ancestors you wish to remember. Samagri can be arranged on request.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Tarpan
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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.