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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Rathyatra · Varanasi
Tarpan in Rathyatra
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 Rathyatra, Varanasi.
Rathyatra, Varanasi 45 minutes 1.5 hours At your home or venue Online also available
Overview
Tarpan for families in Rathyatra
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.
Rathyatra is one of the best-known crossings in central Varanasi, linking Sigra, Mahmoorganj and the roads towards the south of the city. Its name comes from the traditional Rath Yatra fair of Lord Jagannath held in the area each year.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Planning your puja in Rathyatra
The crossing is congested for much of the day; early-morning slots are easiest.
During the Rath Yatra fair, expect road diversions and heavy crowds nearby.
Commercial buildings may restrict open flames, so check before a havan.
Parking can be limited near the crossing; arrange a drop-off point for the Pandit.
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 Rathyatra.
Tarpan in Rathyatra: FAQs
Can a Pandit come to my home in Rathyatra for Tarpan?
Yes. Share your location in Rathyatra, 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 Rathyatra, Varanasi, along with timing and pricing before you book.
How far in advance should I book Tarpan in Rathyatra?
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 Chowk
- Tarpan in Maidagin
- Tarpan in Nadesar
- Tarpan in Pandeypur
- Tarpan in Shivpur
- Tarpan in Sundarpur
- Tarpan in Ravindrapuri
- Tarpan in Luxa
- Tarpan in Orderly Bazaar
- Tarpan in Manduadih
- Tarpan in Panchganga Ghat
- Tarpan in Babatpur
- Tarpan in Chitaipur
Other pujas in Rathyatra
See allWorship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver, often with Vishnu Sahasranama path, commonly performed on Ekadashi, Thursdays and Purnima.
DetailsLoving worship of Shri Krishna, often as Laddu Gopal or with Radha, most celebrated on Janmashtami with midnight abhishek and aarti.
DetailsA traditional puja to inaugurate a new shop, office, showroom or factory, Ganesh and Lakshmi worship, Kalash sthapana and havan at an auspicious muhurat.
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Book Tarpan in Rathyatra
Share your address in Rathyatra, preferred date and family tradition. We'll confirm a Pandit and pricing on WhatsApp.