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EveryParampara

Shraddha

Hindu rites of offering to the departed ancestors.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Shraddha.

Also: sraddha, tarpan

Shraddha is the ritual in which Hindus offer food, water and sesame to their ancestors, with the help of a priest. It is done on the death anniversary, and above all in Pitru Paksha, a fortnight in autumn when the departed are believed to visit the earth. Rice balls, called pinda, are offered and given to crows, which are seen as messengers. Families at Gaya in Bihar and Varanasi perform the rite on the river bank. It expresses gratitude and duty, and the meal that follows is simple and vegetarian. It is generally done by a son or another close male relative.

Region: South Asia

See also

PujaPrasadUpanayana

Find traditions that mention Shraddha

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