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    Tarpan in Lanka

    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 Lanka, Varanasi.

    Lanka, Varanasi 45 minutes 1.5 hours At your home or venue Online also available
    Devotees offering water prayers while standing in the Ganga

    Overview

    Tarpan for families in Lanka

    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.

    Lanka is the busy neighbourhood outside the main gate of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Its roads are full of students, teachers, shops and eateries, and the residential colonies around it are home to many university and hospital families.

    ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥

    Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.

    Salutations and offerings to the ancestors, who receive the offering of svadha.Shukla Yajurveda 19.36

    Planning your puja in Lanka

    Traffic around the BHU gate is heavy for much of the day; morning slots are usually easier.
    Guest houses and rented rooms may not permit a havan, confirm before planning a fire ritual.
    A Mahamrityunjaya jaap can be done with an online sankalp if the family cannot leave the hospital.
    Assi Ghat is close by for pairing a home puja with a Ganga snan or tarpan.
    Tuesdays and Saturdays are busy near the Hanuman temple, so allow extra time on those days.
    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.
    Full guide: Tarpan in Varanasi

    How it is performed

    1. 1Snan and Purification
    2. 2Sankalp
    3. 3Deva Tarpan
    4. 4Rishi Tarpan
    5. 5Pitru Tarpan
    6. 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 Lanka.

    Tarpan in Lanka: FAQs

    Can a Pandit come to my home in Lanka for Tarpan?

    Yes. Share your location in Lanka, 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 Lanka, Varanasi, along with timing and pricing before you book.

    How far in advance should I book Tarpan in Lanka?

    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

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    Priests preparing for the Ganga Aarti at dusk in Varanasi

    शुभं भवतु

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    Book Tarpan in Lanka

    Share your address in Lanka, preferred date and family tradition. We'll confirm a Pandit and pricing on WhatsApp.