Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity and auspiciousness, most widely performed on Diwali evening and on Fridays.
Details
Chowk · Varanasi
Tarpan in Chowk
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. Book an experienced Pandit for your home or venue in Chowk, Varanasi.
Chowk, Varanasi 45 minutes 1.5 hours At your home or venue Online also available
Overview
Tarpan for families in Chowk
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.
Chowk is the old commercial heart of Varanasi, a dense network of lanes filled with wholesale markets, silk and sari shops, sweet shops and tall old houses. It lies in the old city between Godowlia and Maidagin, with the lanes towards Kashi Vishwanath close by.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Planning your puja in Chowk
Vehicles cannot reach most lanes, so expect to walk and carry samagri by hand.
Shop pujas are usually done early, before the market opens and crowds build.
Diwali and Dhanteras are very busy for business pujas, so book ahead.
Share a clear landmark such as a well-known shop, as lanes can be confusing.
Rooftops in old houses are often the best place for a havan.
Plan to reach the ghat around sunrise.
Carry a change of clothes and a towel if you will enter the river.
Tarpan traditions in Varanasi
- Tarpan is usually done early in the morning at the ghats.
- The river current and water level vary by season; follow the Pandit's guidance on where to stand.
- During the monsoon, some ghat steps may be submerged and access can change.
- Pitru Paksha brings large crowds to the ghats at dawn.
How it is performed
- 1Snan and Purification
- 2Sankalp
- 3Deva Tarpan
- 4Rishi Tarpan
- 5Pitru Tarpan
- 6Concluding Prayers
What's 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
Samagri
- 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 for delivery in Chowk.
Tarpan in Chowk: FAQs
Can a Pandit come to my home in Chowk for Tarpan?
Yes. Share your location in Chowk, 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 Chowk, Varanasi, along with timing and pricing before you book.
How far in advance should I book Tarpan in Chowk?
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 Tarpan 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.
When should Tarpan be performed in Varanasi?
Tarpan is traditionally offered in the morning, especially during Pitru Paksha, on Amavasya and as part of shraddha.
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.
Tarpan in nearby areas of Varanasi
- Tarpan in Assi Ghat
- Tarpan in Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Tarpan in Bhelupur
- Tarpan in Lanka
- Tarpan in Sigra
- Tarpan in Cantonment
- Tarpan in Godowlia
- Tarpan in Ramnagar
- Tarpan in Sarnath
- Tarpan in Mahmoorganj
- Tarpan in Durgakund
- Tarpan in Kamachha
- Tarpan in Shivala
- Tarpan in Kedar Ghat
- Tarpan in Maidagin
- Tarpan in Nadesar
- Tarpan in Pandeypur
- Tarpan in Shivpur
- Tarpan in Sundarpur
- Tarpan in Ravindrapuri
- Tarpan in Rathyatra
- Tarpan in Luxa
- Tarpan in Orderly Bazaar
- Tarpan in Manduadih
- Tarpan in Panchganga Ghat
- Tarpan in Babatpur
- Tarpan in Chitaipur
Other pujas in Chowk
See allA traditional puja to inaugurate a new shop, office, showroom or factory, Ganesh and Lakshmi worship, Kalash sthapana and havan at an auspicious muhurat.
DetailsWorship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
DetailsA beloved household puja to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan, with the five-chapter Satyanarayan Katha, commonly held on Purnima or after a happy milestone.
Details
शुभं भवतु
No payment to begin
Book Tarpan in Chowk
Share your address in Chowk, preferred date and family tradition. We'll confirm a Pandit and pricing on WhatsApp.