Pitru Paksha 2027

Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is a deeply revered observance across India in which families remember and honour their departed ancestors with Tarpan and Shraddha. It takes place over sixteen days, from Bhadrapada Purnima to the Amavasya of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Grandsons: The eldest son, or other sons and grandsons of the family, perform shraddha for their departed parents and forefathers to show gratitude and bring them peace (Pitru Shanti).
• Daughters and Other Relatives: Where there is no son, a daughter, a husband, a brother, or another family member performs the rites with devotion.
• Families Seeking Ancestral Blessings: Households make the offerings each year to receive the blessings of the ancestors (Pitru Ashirwad) for the health, harmony, and growth of the family.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Choosing the Day: Shraddha is done on the tithi on which the person passed away, in the dark fortnight of Pitru Paksha. Those who died on Purnima are remembered on the Purnima Shraddha, which opens the fortnight.
• Special Days: Matru Navami (Navami) is kept for departed mothers, and Chaturdashi for those who died in an untimely way, such as by accident or violence.
• Sarva Pitru Amavasya: Done on the last day for all ancestors, and for anyone whose tithi of death is not known or was missed.
• Time of Day: The shraddha is performed in the Kutup and Rohina muhurtas (the auspicious periods around midday) and is completed in Aparahna (afternoon). Check the Kutup, Rohina, and Aparahna times for your city on this page.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

In the Mahabharata, Karna was known across the world for his generosity. No one who came to him ever left empty-handed, and he gave away gold, jewels, and wealth without counting.

When Karna died, he reached the heavenly realm, but instead of food, he was served only gold and jewels. Hungry and surprised, he asked Indra why this was so. Indra replied: "You gave gold and wealth in charity all your life, but you never offered food and water to your ancestors in their memory. That is why only gold is placed before you."

Karna replied that he had not known his ancestors. He was then sent back to earth for sixteen days. On earth, he offered food and water to his ancestors, fed the needy, and performed Tarpan with devotion. Satisfied by his offerings, his forefathers were pleased, and Karna returned to heaven, where he was served food.

Since that day, these sixteen days have been observed as Pitru Paksha, when families offer food and water to their ancestors with respect and gratitude.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame (Til), barley (Jau), water in a copper vessel, and a plate for the offering
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass for the ring and the seat, and Tulsi leaves
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, milk, and Ghee to prepare the Pind (balls)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sandalwood paste (Chandan), Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and white flowers
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Simple sattvic food such as Kheer, Puri, rice, dal, and seasonal vegetables cooked without onion or garlic, with food portions for the crow, cow, and dog

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours; avoid black).
2. Clean the place of worship and the kitchen, and cook the food for the day with care, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a little water with sesame and Kusha in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I offer you water and food with faith and devotion. May you be satisfied and bless our family with peace and wellbeing."
4. Remain calm, truthful, and respectful through the day, and observe a simple fast until the rites are completed (as is the practice of many families).

Step 2: Preparing the Place and Items

1. Spread a clean cloth on the ground in the southern direction, as the south is the direction of the ancestors.
2. Place a photograph of the ancestor, or a seat of Kusha, as an invitation for the ancestors to be present.
3. Wear a ring of Kusha grass on the ring finger of your right hand, and keep the Tarpan items and the cooked food ready.

Step 3: Tarpan (Water Offering)

1. Face south, mix black sesame and barley in the water in your hand, and call each ancestor by name and gotra.
2. Offering Water: Pour the water slowly between the thumb and forefinger, onto the plate or the ground, while praying.
3. Offering for Three Generations: Offer the water for your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and likewise for the mother's side.
4. After the offering, pour the water at the base of a Peepal tree or into flowing water, if possible.

Step 4: Pind Daan (Offering the Rice Balls)

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and Ghee to prepare the Pind.
2. Place the Pinds on Kusha grass, and offer Chandan, white flowers, Tulsi leaves, and Akshat to each.
3. Light a Ghee Diya and incense, and pray with devotion for the peace and liberation (Moksha) of the ancestors.
4. After the prayers, immerse the Pinds in flowing water, or offer them to a cow.

Step 5: Feeding the Brahmin and the Animals

1. Invite a Brahmin to your home and seat him with respect. Offer him water to wash his feet and serve him the prepared food.
2. Give him dakshina (a small gift) and clothes or food grains, and bow to take his blessings.
3. Keep a portion of the food for the crow (Kakbali), the cow (Gau Grass), and the dog (Shwan Bali), which are believed to carry the offering to the ancestors.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Ask forgiveness for any mistake in the rites (Kshama Prarthana), and bow to the memory of the ancestors.
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Eat together as a family a simple sattvic meal of the same offered food, after the Brahmin and the animals have been fed.

Purnima Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: Sons and the male members of the family perform the Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on a Purnima tithi, seeking their peace and blessings (Pitru Shanti).
• Those Beginning Pitru Paksha: Families also offer Tarpan on this day to begin the fortnight of remembering their ancestors.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early and prepare the pure, sattvic food for the offering.
• Puja Muhurat: The Shraddha rituals, Tarpan and Pind Daan, are done in the Aparahna (afternoon). Check the Aparahna timing for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins and Crows: After the rituals, food is offered to a Brahmin, to the crow (Kakbali), the cow, and the dog.
• Family Meal: The family eats only after the offerings are done.

About the Festival

Purnima Shraddha is a revered observance across India, in which families offer food and water to ancestors who passed away on the full moon day. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.

The Katha (Story of Karna and the Pitru Paksha)

The well-known tradition of offering food to ancestors is explained by the story of Karna from the Mahabharata. Karna was known throughout the world for his generosity, and he gave gold and wealth to all who came to him during his lifetime.

When Karna died, he reached heaven, where he was given gold and jewels as his food. Surprised, Karna asked Indra why he was served only gold. Indra replied: "You gave away gold all your life, but you never gave food in the name of your ancestors. Go back to the earth for these fifteen days and offer food and water to them."

Karna returned to the earth during the Krishna Paksha, offered food and water to his ancestors, and fulfilled the duty he had missed. Pleased, his ancestors blessed him and he returned to heaven. Since that day, the fortnight of Pitru Paksha has been observed, and families offer Shraddha for their ancestors.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), and a copper or brass vessel for water
• Pind Daan Items: Pindas made of cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, and ghee
• Sacred Grass: Kusha (sacred grass) and Go Grass (Durva) for the rituals
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and incense sticks (Dhoop)
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Kheer, rice, Dal, seasonal vegetables, and puris prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean white cloth, and food for the crow (Kakbali), cow, and dog

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, white or light-coloured clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water, black sesame, and Kusha in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devatas, today on Purnima I offer Shraddha to my ancestors with pure devotion. Accept my offering and bless our family."
3. Prepare sattvic food at home, without onion or garlic, and keep your mind calm and respectful.

Step 2: Preparing the Place for Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space in your home and sit facing south.
2. Spread a clean cloth and place a seat of Kusha grass for the ritual.
3. Keep the Tarpan items, water, and the prepared food ready.

Step 3: Performing the Offerings

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense for the ancestors.
2. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves.
3. Offering Tarpan: Pour water mixed with black sesame from your hand with Kusha in the name of each ancestor.
4. Offering Pind Daan: Offer the Pindas in the name of the ancestors, with respect.

Step 4: Offering Food for the Ancestors

1. Set aside a portion of the food on a leaf or plate for the crow (Kakbali), the cow, and the dog.
2. Offer the first portion of food in the name of the ancestors with a prayer.
3. Invite a Brahmin and feed him with respect, giving a gift (Dakshina) afterwards.

Step 5: Prayer for the Ancestors

1. Stand with folded hands and pray for the peace of the departed souls.
2. Ask forgiveness for any mistakes made during the ritual.
3. Pray that the ancestors bless your family with health and prosperity.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing the Meal

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the food among your family members.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal together, only after all the offerings are complete.

Pratipada Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: Sons and the male members of the family perform the Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on the Pratipada tithi, seeking their peace and blessings (Pitru Shanti).
• Descendants of Maternal Grandparents: Many families also perform it for the maternal grandfather and grandmother (Nana-Nani), as it is commonly held on this day.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early and prepare the pure, sattvic food for the offering.
• Puja Muhurat: The Shraddha rituals, Tarpan and Pind Daan, are done in the Aparahna (afternoon). Check the Aparahna timing for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins and Crows: After the rituals, food is offered to a Brahmin, to the crow (Kakbali), the cow, and the dog.
• Family Meal: The family eats only after the offerings are done.

About the Festival

Pratipada Shraddha is a revered observance of Pitru Paksha across India, in which families offer food and water to their departed ancestors. It takes place on the Pratipada (first day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and the Pitru Paksha)

The well-known tradition of offering food to ancestors is explained by the story of Karna from the Mahabharata. Karna was known throughout the world for his generosity, and he gave gold and wealth to all who came to him during his lifetime.

When Karna died, he reached heaven, where he was given gold and jewels as his food. Surprised, Karna asked Indra why he was served only gold. Indra replied: "You gave away gold all your life, but you never gave food in the name of your ancestors. Go back to the earth for these fifteen days and offer food and water to them."

Karna returned to the earth during the Krishna Paksha, offered food and water to his ancestors, and fulfilled the duty he had missed. Pleased, his ancestors blessed him and he returned to heaven. Since that day, the fortnight of Pitru Paksha has been observed, and families offer Shraddha on the tithi of their ancestors' passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), and a copper or brass vessel for water
• Pind Daan Items: Pindas made of cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, and ghee
• Sacred Grass: Kusha (sacred grass) and Go Grass (Durva) for the rituals
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and incense sticks (Dhoop)
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Kheer, rice, Dal, seasonal vegetables, and puris prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean white cloth, and food for the crow (Kakbali), cow, and dog

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, white or light-coloured clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water, black sesame, and Kusha in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devatas, today on Pratipada I offer Shraddha to my ancestors with pure devotion. Accept my offering and bless our family."
3. Prepare sattvic food at home, without onion or garlic, and keep your mind calm and respectful.

Step 2: Preparing the Place for Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space in your home and sit facing south.
2. Spread a clean cloth and place a seat of Kusha grass for the ritual.
3. Keep the Tarpan items, water, and the prepared food ready.

Step 3: Performing the Offerings

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense for the ancestors.
2. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves.
3. Offering Tarpan: Pour water mixed with black sesame from your hand with Kusha in the name of each ancestor.
4. Offering Pind Daan: Offer the Pindas in the name of the ancestors, with respect.

Step 4: Offering Food for the Ancestors

1. Set aside a portion of the food on a leaf or plate for the crow (Kakbali), the cow, and the dog.
2. Offer the first portion of food in the name of the ancestors with a prayer.
3. Invite a Brahmin and feed him with respect, giving a gift (Dakshina) afterwards.

Step 5: Prayer for the Ancestors

1. Stand with folded hands and pray for the peace of the departed souls.
2. Ask forgiveness for any mistakes made during the ritual.
3. Pray that the ancestors bless your family with health and prosperity.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing the Meal

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the food among your family members.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal together, only after all the offerings are complete.

Dwitiya Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Male Descendants: The eldest son or another male member of the family performs the shraddha to honour departed forefathers and repay the debt owed to them (Pitru Rin).
• Descendants of the Departed: Families whose elders passed away on a Dwitiya tithi (second lunar day) perform this shraddha, seeking their peace and blessings (Pitru Shanti).
• Other Family Members: Where there is no son, a grandson, brother, or other relative may perform the rites with the same devotion.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The bath and Sankalp are done early, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours before sunrise), and the family stays on a light fast until the rites are complete.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan are done in Aparahna (the afternoon period). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins: After the rites, Brahmin guests are fed with respect, while the afternoon period still lasts.
• Closing the Day: The family eats the sattvic meal only after all the offerings are made.

About the Festival

Dwitiya Shraddha is a sacred observance of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight when families across India remember and honour their ancestors. It takes place on the Dwitiya (second day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna in Pitru Paksha)

In the great epic Mahabharata, Karna was known across the world as the most generous of men. He gave away gold and wealth to anyone who asked, and never turned a seeker away.

When Karna died in the war, his soul reached heaven, but the food served to him there was only gold and jewels. Surprised and hungry, he asked Lord Indra why he was given no real food. Indra replied: "O Karna, you gave gold in charity all your life, but you never offered food and water to your ancestors. Your gifts to them were missing."

Karna said that he had never known who his ancestors were. Indra then allowed him to return to earth for fifteen days, so that he could make amends. Karna returned, offered food and water to his forefathers, and gave food to the hungry with a pure heart.

Pleased by his devotion, his ancestors were satisfied, and Karna returned to heaven, where he was now fed and welcomed. Since that day, these fifteen days are observed as Pitru Paksha, and families offer shraddha and tarpan on the tithi of their departed elders.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), water, and a copper or brass vessel
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass (Darbha) and a ring of Kusha (Pavitri) for the ring finger
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame seeds, Ghee, and honey for making Pind (rice balls)
• Lamps & Lights: A Ghee Diya, incense sticks, and a clean white cloth
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, lentils (Dal), and fruits, prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste (Chandan), and a photograph of the departed

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes (avoid black).
2. Prepare the sattvic food for the offerings at home, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a small amount of water in your right palm, wearing the Kusha ring on your ring finger, and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform this shraddha with faith and devotion. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and prosperity."

Step 2: Preparing the Place of Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space in the home or courtyard, and sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors.
2. Spread a clean cloth or a mat of Kusha, and place the photograph of the departed on it with a Diya before it.
3. Keep the Tarpan items, Pind ingredients, and food offerings within reach.

Step 3: Offering Tilak, Flowers, and Naivedya

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense sticks before the photograph.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan to the photograph.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves with a silent prayer.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the prepared food on a clean plate and offer it to the departed ancestors.

Step 4: Tarpan (Offering Water)

1. Fill a vessel with water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley, and hold Kusha grass in your hand.
2. Pour the water slowly onto the ground or into a plate, from the side of the palm between the thumb and forefinger, while saying the name and gotra (family lineage) of the departed.
3. Offer the water three times for each ancestor you remember, in a calm and respectful mood.

Step 5: Pind Daan and Feeding the Guests

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, Ghee, and honey, and shape them into small round Pind (rice balls).
2. Offer the Pind Daan with flowers and Tulsi leaves, praying for the peace and liberation of the departed souls. Afterwards, place the Pind in flowing water or give it to a cow.
3. Set aside portions of the food for a cow, a dog, a crow (Kakbali), and ants, then feed Brahmins with respect and give them Dakshina (an offering of gratitude) and clothes.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family and of the Brahmin guests to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members, and share food with the poor if you can.
3. Eat the sattvic meal with the family only after all the offerings are complete.

Tritiya Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Heirs: The eldest son, or any male member of the family, performs this Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on a Tritiya tithi.
• Those Seeking Ancestral Blessings: Families who wish to remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral affliction) and earn the peace and blessings of their forefathers (Pitru Shanti) also observe it.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath: Bathe early in the morning, before the rituals begin, and keep the fast of the day.
• Shraddha Rituals: The Tarpan, Pind Daan and Brahmin Bhojan are done in Aparahna (the afternoon period of the day). Check the Aparahna timing for your city on this page.
• Offering to Crows and Cows: After the rituals, once the food is ready (some families do this just before the family meal).
• Family Meal: Taken only after the offerings and the feeding of the Brahmin are complete.

About the Festival

Tritiya Shraddha is a solemn observance celebrated across India during Pitru Paksha, when families remember and honour ancestors who passed away on the Tritiya tithi. It takes place on the Tritiya (third day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known for his boundless generosity, died in the Mahabharata war and ascended to heaven. There, instead of food, he was given gold and jewels to eat, for in his life he had given away endless wealth but never offered food or water in the name of his ancestors.

Puzzled and hungry, Karna asked Lord Indra why he was served only gold. Indra explained that Karna had donated gold throughout his life, but he had never performed Shraddha or offered food and water to his forefathers, and so there was nothing of that kind for him to receive.

Karna answered that he had never known who his ancestors were, and so he could not have honoured them. Indra, moved by his honesty, permitted him to return to earth for a period of sixteen days. Karna came back, offered food and water to his ancestors, and performed the Tarpan and Shraddha with full devotion.

Pleased with his sincere offering, his ancestors blessed him, and Karna returned to heaven in peace. Since that day, this fortnight of sixteen days has been known as Pitru Paksha, and families perform Shraddha on the tithi on which each ancestor passed away.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Kala Til), barley (Jau), and a copper vessel with clean water
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass and Go Grass for the Pavitri (ring) and the seat
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, and honey for making the Pind (rice balls)
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Simple sattvic meal of rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, and kheer, prepared without onion and garlic
• Offering Portions: Separate portions for the crow (Kakbali), the cow (Gau Grass), the dog, and the ants
• Devotional Accessories: Tulsi leaves, white flowers, Janeu (sacred thread), Diya with Ghee, and incense

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours).
2. Take a small amount of water, black sesame and Kusha grass in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devta, today on this Tritiya tithi I perform Shraddha for my ancestors with pure devotion. May they be satisfied and bless our family."
3. Keep the day simple and sattvic, and take your meal only after the Shraddha is complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Place for Shraddha (Aparahna)

1. Clean a space facing south, as it is the direction of the ancestors (Pitru), and spread a clean cloth or mat.
2. Place the Diya with Ghee, incense and a photograph or a symbolic seat of the departed ancestors in front.
3. Wear the Pavitri (a ring of Kusha grass) on your ring finger and keep the sesame, barley and water ready.

Step 3: Offering Tarpan

1. Invoking the Ancestors: Call upon your Pitru (father, grandfather, great-grandfather and other forefathers) with folded hands, and remember them by name and Gotra.
2. Offering Water: Pour water mixed with black sesame and barley from your palm, over the tips of the fingers, three times for each ancestor.
3. Offering Tulsi and Flowers: Place Tulsi leaves and white flowers near the Pind with respect.

Step 4: Pind Daan

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame and honey and shape them into round Pind (rice balls).
2. Place the Pind on the Kusha grass and offer water, flowers and sesame over them.
3. Pray for the peace of the departed souls, and after the offering, place the Pind in flowing water or give them to a cow, as your family tradition follows.

Step 5: Feeding the Brahmin and the Birds

1. Offer the portions of food first to the crow (Kakbali), cow, dog and ants, with the prayer that the food reaches your ancestors.
2. Invite a Brahmin to your home, seat him with respect, and serve the Shraddha meal.
3. Give Dakshina (offering) along with clothes or grains, as you are able, and take his blessings.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the food prasad among your family members and relatives.
3. Break your fast by taking a simple sattvic meal along with the family, and spend the rest of the day quietly in remembrance of your ancestors.

Chaturthi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Family of the Departed: Sons, grandsons, and other family members perform this shraddha for ancestors who passed away on a Chaturthi tithi, and seek peace for their souls (Pitru Shanti).
• Householders Seeking Ancestral Blessings: Those who wish to repay their debt to their forefathers (Pitru Rin) offer food and water with faith, praying for the blessings and well-being of the family.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath: Bathe in the early hours, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), or soon after sunrise, and prepare the house and the food for the offering.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The shraddha and tarpan are done in the afternoon during Aparahna (the period after midday). Check the shraddha muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Offering: The Brahmin meal and the offerings to the crow, cow, and dog follow the tarpan and pind daan, still within Aparahna.
• Taking the Meal: The family eats only after the offerings are made and the guests are fed.

About the Festival

Chaturthi Shraddha is a revered observance across India during Pitru Paksha, when families remember and honour the ancestors who passed away on this tithi. It takes place on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known across the world for his generosity, fell in the war of the Mahabharata. His soul rose to the heavenly realm, where he was given an abundance of gold and jewels to eat, but no food or water. Hungry and puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why this was so.

Indra explained: "Karna, in your life you gave gold and wealth to all who asked, but you never offered food to your ancestors in their memory. That is why only gold is placed before you." Karna replied that he had never known who his forefathers were, and so he had never been able to honour them.

Moved by his sincerity, Indra and Yamraj allowed Karna to return to earth for a period of fifteen days. During that time, Karna offered food and water to his ancestors with deep devotion, performing shraddha and tarpan and feeding the hungry. When he returned to the heavens, he was at last given food and water.

Since that day, these fifteen days, known as Pitru Paksha, have been kept for remembering the ancestors, and families offer shraddha on the tithi of their passing. Those who left on Chaturthi are remembered on this day, and their souls are believed to find peace through this offering.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (til), Kusha grass (Kusha), barley (jau), and clean water in a copper vessel
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and ghee for making the pindas
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sandalwood paste, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, and dal, cooked fresh and without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean cloth (Vastra), and Dakshina for the Brahmin

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours).
2. Clean the house and the kitchen, and cook the food fresh using only sattvic ingredients, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devta, today I offer this shraddha for my ancestors who departed on Chaturthi. Accept this food and water and grant peace to their souls."

Step 2: Preparing the Place (Aparahna)

1. Clean a space facing south, and spread a clean cloth or a wooden stool (Chowki) for the offering.
2. Place the photograph or name of the departed ancestor, if available, and light a Ghee Diya and incense.
3. Wear a ring of Kusha grass (Pavitri) on your ring finger and keep the sesame, barley, and water within reach.

Step 3: Performing Tarpan

1. Taking the Water: Fill the copper vessel with water and mix in black sesame and barley.
2. Facing South: Sit facing south and offer Tarpan by pouring the water slowly from your palm, between the thumb and forefinger, onto the ground or into a plate.
3. Naming the Ancestors: Offer three portions of water while calling the name and gotra of each ancestor who passed away on Chaturthi.

Step 4: Pind Daan

1. Mix the cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, honey, and Ghee, and shape them into small round pindas.
2. Place the pindas on Kusha grass and offer them with Roli, Akshat, flowers, and Tulsi leaves.
3. Pray for the peace and liberation (Moksha) of the departed souls, then immerse the pindas in flowing water or place them respectfully in a clean spot.

Step 5: Panchabali and Feeding the Brahmin

1. Set aside small portions of the cooked food for the cow, dog, crow, ants, and the gods (Panchabali).
2. Invite a Brahmin, wash their feet with respect, and serve the meal with devotion.
3. Offer Dakshina, clothes, or grain according to your means, and take their blessings.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Share the offered food among your family members and any guests.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal only after the offerings are complete, and spend the rest of the day in calm remembrance of your ancestors.

Panchami Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: Sons, grandsons, and other descendants perform this Shraddha for the peace of ancestors who passed away on a Panchami tithi.
• Families of Unmarried Persons Who Passed Away: Panchami is also kept for those who died unmarried (Kunwara Panchami), so that their souls find peace.
• All Who Remember Their Ancestors: Any household honouring its Pitrus during Pitru Paksha may make offerings on this day to seek their blessings.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The day begins with an early bath, a clean home, and the Sankalp, with the food for the offering cooked fresh at home.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are done in Aparahna (afternoon), the time traditionally kept for ancestor rites. Check the muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Charity: After the rites, Brahmins are fed and gifts are given, followed by food offerings to the crow, cow, and dog.
• Family Meal: The family eats only after all the offerings and feeding are complete.

About the Festival

Panchami Shraddha is a deeply revered observance across India during Pitru Paksha, in which families honour their departed ancestors with offerings of food and water. It takes place on the Panchami (fifth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

In the Mahabharata, the generous warrior Karna was known across the land as a great giver. When he passed away, his soul reached heaven, where he was surprised to be offered only gold and jewels to eat, and no food.

Karna asked Lord Indra why this was so. Indra explained that although Karna had given gold in charity all his life, he had never offered food and water to his ancestors in their memory. Without those offerings, he had nothing to eat in the world beyond.

Karna said he had never known his ancestors, and so had never made the offering. Indra advised: "Return to the earth for a period of fifteen days, and offer food and water in the name of your forefathers. Then you will be freed from this debt."

Karna returned to the earth, offered food and water to his forefathers with full devotion, and then went back to heaven, where he could finally eat. Since that day, these fifteen days have been called Pitru Paksha, and families remember their ancestors with Shraddha on the tithi of their passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (til), barley (jau), and a copper or brass vessel for water
• Sacred Grass: Kusha or Darbha grass, and a Kusha ring (pavitri) for the ring finger
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, and honey or milk to make the rice balls (pinda)
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Simple sattvic food such as rice, dal, kheer, puri, and vegetables, kept for the Brahmin, the crow (Kakbali), the cow (Gaugras), and the dog
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean white cloth, and a Kalava (sacred red thread) for gifts and Dakshina

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes (white or light colours, avoiding black).
2. Take a small amount of water with sesame in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitrus, today on the Panchami tithi I perform this Shraddha for my departed ancestors. Accept my offerings and bless us with peace and prosperity."
3. Cook the offering food fresh at home, using simple sattvic ingredients, and keep the family fast until the rites are done.

Step 2: Preparing the Shraddha Space (Afternoon)

1. Clean the place of worship, face south, and spread a clean cloth or mat.
2. Place a photograph or a symbol of the departed on a Chowki (wooden stool) covered with a white cloth.
3. Keep the water vessel, sesame, Kusha grass, and food within easy reach, and light a Ghee Diya.

Step 3: Invoking the Pitrus

1. Wearing the Pavitri: Wear the Kusha ring on your right ring finger.
2. Invoking the Ancestors: Invite the departed and the ancestors with folded hands, saying their names and gotra if known.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves before the photograph or symbol.

Step 4: Tarpan and Pind Daan

1. Perform the Tarpan by pouring water mixed with sesame from your cupped hands onto the ground or a plate, while remembering the departed by name.
2. Prepare the rice balls and offer the Pind Daan on a bed of Kusha grass, with sesame and a little honey or milk.
3. Offer a final handful of water and bow with folded hands, praying for the peace of the departed souls.

Step 5: Feeding and Charity

1. Set aside the first portions of food for the crow, cow, and dog, and place them in a clean spot outside the home.
2. Feed a Brahmin with respect and give Dakshina (gift offering) such as clothes, grains, or money, according to your means.
3. Give food to the poor or needy as well, with pure devotion.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Share the prasad and the cooked food among the family members.
3. Break your fast by eating a simple sattvic meal together, only after all the offerings are complete.

Shashthi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Male Descendants: The eldest son, or other male members of the family, perform the shraddha for ancestors who passed away on a Shashthi tithi.
• Family Members: Any family member who has the duty of offering to the Pitras (ancestors), as in the family's tradition, observes it to seek their blessings (Pitru Ashirwad).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath and Sankalp: Bathe early and take the Sankalp, observing a simple, sattvic routine through the morning.
• Shraddha Rituals: The tarpan, pind daan, and shraddha offerings are done in the Aparahna (afternoon), after midday. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Daan: Brahmins are fed and food and donations are offered once the rituals are complete.
• Family Meal: The family eats only after the offerings are made.

About the Festival

Shashthi Shraddha is a deeply revered Hindu observance in which families remember and offer food and water to their ancestors who passed away on the Shashthi tithi. It takes place on the Shashthi (sixth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, during Pitru Paksha.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known as the most generous of all donors, passed away in the war of Mahabharata and ascended to heaven. There, instead of food and drink, he was given gold and jewels, for in his life he had donated only gold and never offered food to anyone.

Surprised and hungry, Karna asked Lord Indra why this was so. Indra explained: "You gave endless gold in charity but never offered food and water to your ancestors, and so you now find only gold here. You may return to earth for fifteen days and make that offering."

Karna returned to earth for those fifteen days. He fed the poor, offered water and food to his ancestors, and performed the rites with full devotion.

After this he went back to heaven and was finally fed. Since that day, these fifteen days, known as Pitru Paksha, are kept in remembrance of the ancestors, and families offer shraddha on the tithi of their passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the shraddha:

• Image / Photo: A photo of the departed (if available), or a clean Chowki to represent the Pitras
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and Roli
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with Ghee or sesame oil, and Incense (Dhoop)
• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), Kusha grass (Darbha), barley (Jau), white flowers, and clean water in a copper vessel
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Cooked rice, Kheer, Dal, seasonal vegetables, and Pind made of rice, sesame, Ghee, and honey, prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: Tulsi leaves, sacred thread (Janeu), a new Dhoti or cloth, and Panchbali portions for the cow, dog, crow, ant, and the gods

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light-coloured).
2. Take a small amount of water, black sesame, and Kusha grass in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Vishnu, I perform this shraddha today for my ancestors who passed away on Shashthi. May they be satisfied and bless our family."
3. Prepare a simple sattvic meal without onion, garlic, or other tamasic items, and keep it for the offering.

Step 2: Preparing the Place for Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space facing south, and sprinkle it with Ganga water.
2. Spread a clean cloth on a seat, and place the photo or a lamp and the Kusha grass on it.
3. Arrange the Til, water, Pind ingredients, and food in front of the seat.

Step 3: Performing the Tarpan

1. Wearing the Sacred Thread: Wear the Janeu on the right shoulder (Apasavya) and sit facing south.
2. Offering Water: Pour water mixed with black sesame and barley from your palm onto the ground or into a vessel, through the thumb side.
3. Invoking the Ancestors: Recite the names and Gotra of your ancestors, or say "Sarva Pitru" if you do not recall them all, offering water three times for each.

Step 4: Offering the Pind Daan

1. Prepare the Pind balls by mixing cooked rice, black sesame, Ghee, and honey.
2. Place the Pind on Kusha grass and offer them with Tulsi, flowers, and Chandan, praying for peace for the ancestors' souls.
3. Light the Diya and Dhoop, and offer a bow with folded hands.

Step 5: Panchbali and Feeding

1. Offer a portion of the food to the cow, dog, crow, ant, and the gods (Panchbali).
2. Place food on the roof or in a clean place for the crows (Kakbali), as they are said to carry the offering to the ancestors.
3. Feed a Brahmin with devotion, and offer Dakshina, cloth, and grains.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders and the Brahmin to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal after the offerings, and spend the rest of the day in calm remembrance.

Saptami Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Heirs: Primarily, the son or the eldest male member of the family performs this Shraddha for the ancestors who passed away on a Saptami tithi.
• Daughters and Other Relatives: Where there is no son, the daughter, the spouse, or other close relatives may perform it with devotion, to seek peace for the departed souls (Pitru Shanti).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath: Early in the morning, a ritual bath is taken and the home is kept clean and pure.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The Saptami Shraddha is done during Aparahna (afternoon), the time traditionally kept for ancestor rites. Check the Aparahna time for your city on this page.
• Tarpan and Pind Daan: Offered during the Aparahna period, before the Brahmin or guests are fed.
• Meal: Taken only after the offerings to the ancestors, the Brahmin, and the animals and birds have been made.

About the Festival

Saptami Shraddha is a solemn observance held across India during Pitru Paksha, when families remember and offer food and water to their departed ancestors. It takes place on the Saptami (seventh day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Sita's Pind Daan)

Once upon a time, when Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana were in exile, King Dasharatha passed away. When the news reached them, Rama and Lakshmana went to collect the materials needed for the Shraddha, as the time for offering was drawing close, while Sita waited by the river Phalgu in Gaya.

As the sacred hour began to pass and the brothers had not returned, the spirit of Dasharatha appeared before Sita and asked her to offer the pind immediately. With nothing else at hand, Sita took the sand of the river and made the pind, calling the Phalgu river, a cow, a Tulsi plant, a Brahmin, and a fire as witnesses.

Dasharatha accepted the offering and was at peace, but when Rama returned, he doubted her. Sita said: "Let these who stood as witnesses speak the truth." Only the Akshayavat tree told the truth, while the others kept silent. Sita then cursed the river, the cow, the Brahmin, and the fire, and blessed the Akshayavat tree. Since that day, devotees have offered Shraddha with full faith, knowing that the ancestors are pleased by sincere devotion.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame (Til), barley (Jau), Kusha grass (Kush), and clean water in a copper vessel
• Pind Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and ghee for making the pind (Pinda)
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense (Dhoop)
• Sacred Water Container: A Lota or copper vessel filled with fresh water, with a little Gangajal if available
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, and puris, prepared fresh without onion and garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sacred thread (Janeu), and a new cloth or Dakshina for the Brahmin

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform the Saptami Shraddha with full devotion. May you be pleased and bless our family with peace and prosperity."
3. Prepare a fresh, simple meal without onion and garlic, and avoid eating until the Shraddha is complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Shraddha Space (Aparahna)

1. Clean the place of worship and sprinkle it with Gangajal or fresh water.
2. Sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors, on a clean mat or seat.
3. Place the Tarpan items, Kusha grass, black sesame, and the cooked food within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Shraddha Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense, and invite the ancestors to the offering.
2. Pitru Tarpan: Offer water mixed with black sesame and barley to the ancestors, using Kusha grass, while taking the names of the departed.
3. Offering Pind Daan: Make small pind from rice, barley flour, and sesame, and place them on a leaf or plate with flowers and Tulsi.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place a portion of the freshly cooked meal before the ancestors.

Step 4: Reciting the Shraddha Katha

1. Hold a few Kusha blades and a little water in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully and recite or listen to the story of the Shraddha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, pour the water at the base of the pind with a prayer for the peace of the ancestors.

Step 5: Panchabali and Feeding the Brahmin

1. Set aside five portions of the food for the cow, the dog, the crow (Kakbali), the ants, and the gods (Panchabali).
2. Invite a Brahmin to the home and feed him with respect, serving the food that was prepared for the ancestors.
3. Offer Dakshina and new clothes if possible, and bow before him to receive the blessings of the ancestors.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Shraddha

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Pray once more for the peace of the departed souls and ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the rites.
3. Share the prasad with your family members and take the meal together, a simple sattvic one, once the offerings are complete.

Ashtami Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Male Descendants: The sons, grandsons, or the eldest male member of the family perform this Shraddha for the peace of their departed ancestors (Pitru Shanti).
• Family Members of the Departed: Those who lost a family member on the Ashtami tithi observe this ritual, with the help of a priest if possible, to seek the blessings of the ancestors.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The bath, the Sankalp, and the cooking of the offerings (without onion and garlic) are done in the morning.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The Shraddha is performed in Aparahna (afternoon). Check the Kutup and Rohina muhurat times for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Offerings: Done after the Tarpan and Pind Daan, still within the afternoon period.

About the Festival

Ashtami Shraddha is a deeply revered observance across India in which families remember and honour their ancestors who passed away on the Ashtami tithi. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, during Pitru Paksha.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known across the world for his generosity, passed away in the war of Mahabharata. His soul ascended to heaven, where he was given gold, jewels, and treasures in abundance, but nothing to eat.

Surprised and hungry, Karna asked Lord Indra why he was given only gold and no food. Indra explained that, throughout his life, Karna had donated gold and wealth in charity but had never offered food in memory of his ancestors.

Karna replied that he had never known his ancestors. Indra then gave him a chance and advised: "Return to the earth for a period of fifteen days. Offer food and water to your ancestors with faith, and your hunger will be satisfied." Karna returned to earth and offered food, water, and Tarpan to his forefathers with devotion.

His ancestors were pleased, and Karna returned to heaven blessed and fulfilled. Since that day, this period of fifteen days has been observed as Pitru Paksha, and descendants offer Shraddha on the tithi of their ancestor's passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Kala Til), barley (Jau), Kusha grass, and clean water in a copper vessel
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and Ghee for making Pindas
• Lamps & Incense: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or Agarbatti
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste) and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Sattvic meal made without onion and garlic, and food portions for the cow, crow (Kakbali), and dog
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sacred thread (Janeu), a Dhoti or Gamcha, and Dakshina

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform this Shraddha for you with faith and devotion. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and wellbeing."
3. Cook a simple sattvic meal at home without onion and garlic. Keep the fast until the offerings are completed.

Step 2: Preparing the Space (Afternoon)

1. Clean the place of worship and spread a clean cloth or a mat facing south (the direction of the ancestors).
2. Place a picture of your ancestor, if you have one, and light a Ghee Diya before it.
3. Keep the Kusha grass, sesame, barley, water, and all other items within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Tarpan

1. Wear the Janeu over the right shoulder (Apasavya), as is customary for ancestral rites, if you wear one.
2. Take water, black sesame, and barley in your right palm along with Kusha grass.
3. Offer the Tarpan by slowly pouring the water from the palm into a vessel while calling out the names of your ancestors.

Step 4: Pind Daan

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and Ghee, and shape them into round balls called Pindas.
2. Place the Pindas on Kusha grass and offer Chandan, white flowers, and Tulsi leaves.
3. Offer the Pindas with a prayer for the peace of your ancestors, and later immerse them in flowing water or give them to a cow.

Step 5: Offering Food and Charity

1. Set aside portions of the food for the cow, the crow, and the dog, and place them with respect.
2. Invite a Brahmin or priest and feed him the sattvic meal with respect.
3. Give Dakshina and clothes or other items to the Brahmin and to the needy, according to your means.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Bow before the picture of your ancestors and ask for their forgiveness for any mistakes.
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Eat the remaining prasad together with your family as a simple sattvic meal.

Navami Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: Sons, grandsons, and other family members perform this Shraddha for the peace and liberation of departed mothers and women of the family (Matru Shraddha).
• Families of Women Who Died Before Their Husbands: Navami is the day for women who passed away while their husbands were still alive (Avidhava), and is also called Avidhava Navami.
• All Who Remember Their Ancestors: Anyone whose ancestor died on a Navami tithi performs the Shraddha on this day to seek the blessings of the Pitrus.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The day begins with an early bath, a clean home, and the Sankalp, with the food for the offering cooked fresh at home.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are done in Aparahna (afternoon), the time traditionally kept for ancestor rites. Check the muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Charity: After the rites, Brahmins are fed and gifts are given, followed by food offerings to the crow, cow, and dog.
• Family Meal: The family eats only after all the offerings and feeding are complete.

About the Festival

Navami Shraddha is a deeply revered observance across India during Pitru Paksha, in which families honour their departed mothers and the women of the family with offerings of food and water. It takes place on the Navami (ninth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (The Story Behind Pitru Paksha)

Pitru Paksha is the fortnight of the year set apart to remember the departed. Hindu tradition holds that a family's ancestors, the Pitrus, are bound to their descendants, and that food and water offered with faith in their memory reach them and bring them peace.

The Mahabharata speaks of this duty. After the great war, Yudhishthira was troubled by grief for the many elders and kinsmen who had died, and the teachings on Shraddha, the offering of food and water to one's ancestors, are given to him by the patriarch Bhishma.

In this fortnight the Pitrus are believed to draw near their families, and each is remembered on the tithi of his or her passing. Navami is kept for departed mothers and for women who died while their husbands were alive (Avidhava), which is why it is also called Matru Navami.

Families offer water with sesame, rice balls, and a meal in their name, feed Brahmins, and give in charity. Since that day, families have observed the Shraddha during Pitru Paksha, trusting that the blessed Pitrus bless their children with health, prosperity, and a lasting lineage.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (til), barley (jau), and a copper or brass vessel for water
• Sacred Grass: Kusha or Darbha grass, and a Kusha ring (pavitri) for the ring finger
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, and honey or milk to make the rice balls (pinda)
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Bhojan): Simple sattvic food such as rice, dal, kheer, puri, and vegetables, kept for the Brahmin, the crow (Kakbali), the cow (Gaugras), and the dog
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean white cloth, and a Kalava (sacred red thread) for gifts and Dakshina

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes (white or light colours, avoiding black).
2. Take a small amount of water with sesame in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitrus, today on the Navami tithi I perform this Shraddha for my departed mother and the women of my family. Accept my offerings and bless us with peace and prosperity."
3. Cook the offering food fresh at home, using simple sattvic ingredients, and keep the family fast until the rites are done.

Step 2: Preparing the Shraddha Space (Afternoon)

1. Clean the place of worship, face south, and spread a clean cloth or mat.
2. Place a photograph or a symbol of the departed mother on a Chowki (wooden stool) covered with a white cloth.
3. Keep the water vessel, sesame, Kusha grass, and food within easy reach, and light a Ghee Diya.

Step 3: Invoking the Pitrus

1. Wearing the Pavitri: Wear the Kusha ring on your right ring finger.
2. Invoking the Ancestors: Invite the departed mother and the ancestors with folded hands, saying their names and gotra if known.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves before the photograph or symbol.

Step 4: Tarpan and Pind Daan

1. Perform the Tarpan by pouring water mixed with sesame from your cupped hands onto the ground or a plate, while remembering the departed by name.
2. Prepare the rice balls and offer the Pind Daan on a bed of Kusha grass, with sesame and a little honey or milk.
3. Offer a final handful of water and bow with folded hands, praying for the peace of the departed souls.

Step 5: Feeding and Charity

1. Set aside the first portions of food for the crow, cow, and dog, and place them in a clean spot outside the home.
2. Feed a Brahmin with respect and give Dakshina (gift offering) such as clothes, grains, or money, according to your means.
3. Give food to the poor or needy as well, with pure devotion.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Share the prasad and the cooked food among the family members.
3. Break your fast by eating a simple sattvic meal together, only after all the offerings are complete.

Dashami Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: The eldest son, or any male member of the family, performs the Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on the Dashami tithi.
• Daughters and Wives: Where no male member is available, a daughter or a wife may perform the rites, as the family tradition permits.
• Devotees Seeking Peace for Ancestors: All who wish to honour their forefathers (Pitru) and seek their blessings for the family's peace and prosperity take part.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), and cook a simple sattvic meal for the offering.
• Shraddha and Tarpan: The rituals are done in the afternoon, during Aparahna (the later part of the afternoon). Check the Shraddha muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins and Crows: After the rites are done, in the afternoon (families differ on the order of the offerings).
• Closing the Day: The family eats only after the Brahmins and ancestors' offerings are complete.

About the Festival

Dashami Shraddha is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India during Pitru Paksha, when families honour the ancestors who passed away on the Dashami tithi. It takes place on the Dashami (tenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the generous Karna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, was known throughout the world for his charity. He gave away gold and wealth to anyone who asked, but he never gave food or water in the name of his ancestors.

When Karna died in the war and reached heaven, he was given gold and jewels to eat, because that was all he had given. Hungry and puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why he was given only wealth and no food.

Indra explained: "O Karna, you gave gold in charity, but never offered food and water to your ancestors. Return to the earth for fifteen days, and offer food and water to your forefathers, so that you may be freed from this debt."

Karna returned to the earth for this period, and offered water, food, and tarpan with full devotion to his ancestors. Pleased with his sincere devotion, his ancestors blessed him, and he was able to eat in heaven. Since that day, families have observed the fortnight of Pitru Paksha, with the Shraddha done on the tithi of each ancestor's passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), water in a copper vessel, and a plate for the offering
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass for the Pavitri (ring), and Go Grass (for the cow)
• Pind Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and Ghee for the Pind
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): A simple sattvic meal of rice, dal, vegetables, kheer, and puris, in leaf plates, for the Kakbali (crow), cow, dog, and Brahmins
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with sesame oil or Ghee, incense, and a cotton wick
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a white cloth, and a Dakshina for the Brahmin

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes, preferably white (avoid black).
2. Take water, black sesame, and Kusha grass in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devta, today I perform this Shraddha on the Dashami tithi for my ancestors. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and prosperity."
3. Cook a simple sattvic meal, without onion and garlic, to offer to the ancestors.

Step 2: Preparing the Space (Afternoon)

1. Clean the place for the Shraddha, facing south (the direction of the ancestors), and spread a clean cloth.
2. Place the Kusha grass and the black sesame within reach.
3. Light a Diya and incense, and keep the water vessel ready.

Step 3: Offering Tarpan

1. Wear the Pavitri (a ring made of Kusha grass) on your right ring finger.
2. Take water mixed with black sesame in your cupped hands, and pour it slowly with your right thumb for each ancestor, naming them if known, and saying "Idam Tilodakam Tasmai Swadha Namah" (this sesame water is offered to them).
3. Repeat the offering for the father's side, the mother's side, and other ancestors in turn.

Step 4: Pind Daan

1. Mix the cooked rice with barley flour, black sesame, honey, and Ghee.
2. Shape it into round balls (Pind), one for each ancestor, and place them on Kusha grass.
3. Offer the Pind Daan with flowers, sesame, and water, while praying for the ancestors' peaceful journey and liberation.

Step 5: Panchbali and Feeding Brahmins

1. Set aside five portions of the prepared meal for the cow, dog, crow (Kakbali), ants, and the devas, and offer them with care.
2. Feed the Brahmins respectfully with the sattvic meal prepared.
3. Give them Dakshina and clothes as you can afford, and seek their blessings.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Offer water and a short prayer to the ancestors, asking for forgiveness for any mistakes.
3. After the rites are done, the family partakes of the remaining food as prasad, with a simple sattvic meal.

Ekadashi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Male Descendants: The eldest son or another male member of the family performs the shraddha to honour departed forefathers and repay the debt owed to them (Pitru Rin).
• Descendants of the Departed: Families whose elders passed away on an Ekadashi tithi (eleventh lunar day) perform this shraddha, seeking their peace and blessings (Pitru Shanti).
• Other Family Members: Where there is no son, a grandson, brother, or other relative may perform the rites with the same devotion.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The bath and Sankalp are done early, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours before sunrise), and the family stays on a light fast until the rites are complete.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan are done in Aparahna (the afternoon period). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins: After the rites, Brahmin guests are fed with respect, while the afternoon period still lasts.
• Closing the Day: The family eats the sattvic meal only after all the offerings are made.

About the Festival

Ekadashi Shraddha is a sacred observance of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight when families across India remember and honour their ancestors. It takes place on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna in Pitru Paksha)

In the great epic Mahabharata, Karna was known across the world as the most generous of men. He gave away gold and wealth to anyone who asked, and never turned a seeker away.

When Karna died in the war, his soul reached heaven, but the food served to him there was only gold and jewels. Surprised and hungry, he asked Lord Indra why he was given no real food. Indra replied: "O Karna, you gave gold in charity all your life, but you never offered food and water to your ancestors. Your gifts to them were missing."

Karna said that he had never known who his ancestors were. Indra then allowed him to return to earth for fifteen days, so that he could make amends. Karna returned, offered food and water to his forefathers, and gave food to the hungry with a pure heart.

Pleased by his devotion, his ancestors were satisfied, and Karna returned to heaven, where he was now fed and welcomed. Since that day, these fifteen days are observed as Pitru Paksha, and families offer shraddha and tarpan on the tithi of their departed elders.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), water, and a copper or brass vessel
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass (Darbha) and a ring of Kusha (Pavitri) for the ring finger
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame seeds, Ghee, and honey for making Pind (rice balls)
• Lamps & Lights: A Ghee Diya, incense sticks, and a clean white cloth
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, lentils (Dal), and fruits, prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste (Chandan), and a photograph of the departed

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes (avoid black).
2. Prepare the sattvic food for the offerings at home, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a small amount of water in your right palm, wearing the Kusha ring on your ring finger, and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform this shraddha with faith and devotion. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and prosperity."

Step 2: Preparing the Place of Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space in the home or courtyard, and sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors.
2. Spread a clean cloth or a mat of Kusha, and place the photograph of the departed on it with a Diya before it.
3. Keep the Tarpan items, Pind ingredients, and food offerings within reach.

Step 3: Offering Tilak, Flowers, and Naivedya

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense sticks before the photograph.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan to the photograph.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves with a silent prayer.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the prepared food on a clean plate and offer it to the departed ancestors.

Step 4: Tarpan (Offering Water)

1. Fill a vessel with water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley, and hold Kusha grass in your hand.
2. Pour the water slowly onto the ground or into a plate, from the side of the palm between the thumb and forefinger, while saying the name and gotra (family lineage) of the departed.
3. Offer the water three times for each ancestor you remember, in a calm and respectful mood.

Step 5: Pind Daan and Feeding the Guests

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, Ghee, and honey, and shape them into small round Pind (rice balls).
2. Offer the Pind Daan with flowers and Tulsi leaves, praying for the peace and liberation of the departed souls. Afterwards, place the Pind in flowing water or give it to a cow.
3. Set aside portions of the food for a cow, a dog, a crow (Kakbali), and ants, then feed Brahmins with respect and give them Dakshina (an offering of gratitude) and clothes.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family and of the Brahmin guests to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members, and share food with the poor if you can.
3. Eat the sattvic meal with the family only after all the offerings are complete.

Dwadashi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Male Descendants: The eldest son or another male member of the family performs the shraddha to honour departed forefathers and repay the debt owed to them (Pitru Rin).
• Descendants of the Departed: Families whose elders passed away on a Dwadashi tithi (twelfth lunar day) perform this shraddha, and many families also offer it for ascetics (Sanyasis) of the family, seeking their blessings.
• Other Family Members: Where there is no son, a grandson, brother, or other relative may perform the rites with the same devotion.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The bath and Sankalp are done early, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours before sunrise), and the family stays on a light fast until the rites are complete.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan are done in Aparahna (the afternoon period). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding Brahmins: After the rites, Brahmin guests are fed with respect, while the afternoon period still lasts.
• Closing the Day: The family eats the sattvic meal only after all the offerings are made.

About the Festival

Dwadashi Shraddha is a sacred observance of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight when families across India remember and honour their ancestors. It takes place on the Dwadashi (twelfth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Sita's Pind Daan for King Dasharatha)

When Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana were in exile in the forest, King Dasharatha passed away in Ayodhya, grieving for his beloved son. The news reached them only later, and the three were filled with sorrow.

The family travelled to Gaya, on the bank of the river Phalgu, to perform the shraddha. Rama and Lakshmana went to gather the materials. As the auspicious time was passing, King Dasharatha's spirit appeared before Sita and said: "Daughter, the time is passing. Offer me the Pind now, with whatever you have."

With no one else to witness her, Sita made Pind from sand with deep devotion and offered it to him, calling on the river Phalgu, a cow, a Brahmin, and a banyan tree as witnesses. Dasharatha accepted the offering and was pleased.

When Rama returned, he doubted that she could have completed the rites, and only the banyan tree spoke the truth. Sita blessed the banyan with long life. Since that day, devotees go to Gaya to offer Pind Daan, and families perform shraddha on the tithi of their departed elders.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (Til), barley (Jau), water, and a copper or brass vessel
• Sacred Grass: Kusha grass (Darbha) and a ring of Kusha (Pavitri) for the ring finger
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame seeds, Ghee, and honey for making Pind (rice balls)
• Lamps & Lights: A Ghee Diya, incense sticks, and a clean white cloth
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, lentils (Dal), and fruits, prepared without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste (Chandan), and a photograph of the departed

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes (avoid black).
2. Prepare the sattvic food for the offerings at home, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a small amount of water in your right palm, wearing the Kusha ring on your ring finger, and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform this shraddha with faith and devotion. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and prosperity."

Step 2: Preparing the Place of Shraddha (Afternoon)

1. Clean a space in the home or courtyard, and sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors.
2. Spread a clean cloth or a mat of Kusha, and place the photograph of the departed on it with a Diya before it.
3. Keep the Tarpan items, Pind ingredients, and food offerings within reach.

Step 3: Offering Tilak, Flowers, and Naivedya

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense sticks before the photograph.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan to the photograph.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer white flowers and Tulsi leaves with a silent prayer.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the prepared food on a clean plate and offer it to the departed ancestors.

Step 4: Tarpan (Offering Water)

1. Fill a vessel with water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley, and hold Kusha grass in your hand.
2. Pour the water slowly onto the ground or into a plate, from the side of the palm between the thumb and forefinger, while saying the name and gotra (family lineage) of the departed.
3. Offer the water three times for each ancestor you remember, in a calm and respectful mood.

Step 5: Pind Daan and Feeding the Guests

1. Mix cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, Ghee, and honey, and shape them into small round Pind (rice balls).
2. Offer the Pind Daan with flowers and Tulsi leaves, praying for the peace and liberation of the departed souls. Afterwards, place the Pind in flowing water or give it to a cow.
3. Set aside portions of the food for a cow, a dog, a crow (Kakbali), and ants, then feed Brahmins with respect and give them Dakshina (an offering of gratitude) and clothes.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family and of the Brahmin guests to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members, and share food with the poor if you can.
3. Eat the sattvic meal with the family only after all the offerings are complete.

Trayodashi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Members: The sons, grandsons, or other family members perform this shraddha for ancestors who passed away on the Trayodashi tithi, seeking peace for their souls (Pitru Shanti).
• Parents of Children Who Passed Away Young: Families also perform this shraddha for children who left the world at a young age (Balabholani Teras in Gujarat).
• Householders of the Lineage: Descendants observe this for the blessings, health, and prosperity of the family line.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: The bath and the Sankalp (solemn vow) are done early, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour), before the rituals begin.
• Puja Muhurat: The Shraddha rituals, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are done during Aparahna (afternoon). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Offering to Crows (Kakbali): Food is offered to the crow, the cow, and the dog after the Shraddha rites, before the family eats (called Kakbali in Gujarat).
• Feeding Brahmins: Brahmins are fed and the family then takes the meal.

About the Festival

Trayodashi Shraddha is a deeply revered observance across India, in which families offer food and water to their ancestors during Pitru Paksha, the fortnight of the ancestors. It takes place on the Trayodashi (thirteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Long ago, in the age of the Mahabharata, the mighty warrior Karna was known throughout the world for his generosity. He gave away gold, wealth, and gifts to all who came to him in need, but he never gave food or water to his ancestors.

When Karna passed away, he reached heaven, but the food offered to him there was made of gold and jewels. Surprised and hungry, he asked Lord Indra why he was not given any real food.

Indra explained: "O Karna, you gave away gold in charity all your life, but never offered food and water to your ancestors. Therefore your reward is gold alone." Karna was sent back to earth for a period of fifteen days, during which he offered food and water to his ancestors and fed the poor.

After he performed these rites with full devotion, Karna returned to heaven and received real food. Since that day, these fifteen days are observed as Pitru Paksha, and families perform Shraddha for their ancestors on the tithi of their passing.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon puja:

• Image / Photograph: Photograph of the departed ancestors, or a Kusha-grass seat (Asan) to represent them
• Tarpan Items: Black sesame (Til), barley, Kusha grass (Kush), and Ganga Jal
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, ghee, honey, and black sesame for the Pind (rice balls)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, and Dal, with five portions set aside for the crow, cow, dog, ants, and the deities (Panchbali)
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, and a clean white cloth

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours; avoid red and black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devta, today I perform this Shraddha for my ancestors with pure devotion. Accept my offerings and bless our family with peace and prosperity."
3. Keep the day sattvic. Eat no onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food, and take the day's meal only after the Shraddha rites are complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Space (Afternoon)

1. Clean the southern side of your home or a quiet corner, as the south is associated with the ancestors (Pitru).
2. Spread a clean white cloth and place the photograph of the departed or a Kusha-grass Asan on it, and light a Ghee Diya and incense.
3. Keep the water, black sesame, barley, Kusha grass, and the cooked food ready within reach.

Step 3: Performing Tarpan and Pind Daan

1. Tarpan: Wear a ring of Kusha grass on your right ring finger, and offer water mixed with black sesame to the ancestors while chanting their names and gotra.
2. Making the Pinda: Mix cooked rice, barley flour, ghee, honey, and black sesame to form small Pindas.
3. Offering the Pinda: Place the Pindas on Kusha grass, and offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, and water.
4. Closing the Rites: Pour the remaining water on the ground, and pray for the peace of the departed souls.

Step 4: Offering Food (Panchbali)

1. Set aside five portions of food for the cow, the dog, the crow, ants, and the deities (Panchbali).
2. Place the crow's portion on the roof or in an open space and wait with respect for the crow to come (Kakbali).
3. Place the portions for the cow and the dog with gratitude, and pray that the ancestors may accept them.

Step 5: Feeding Brahmins and Charity

1. Invite a Brahmin, or a person in need, and offer a respectful seat.
2. Serve the sattvic meal with devotion, and offer Dakshina (a gift of money or clothes) according to your means.
3. Bow before the guest and seek the blessings of the ancestors.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Prasad among your family members.
3. Close the day by partaking in the Prasad and a simple sattvic meal, and remember the ancestors with gratitude.

Chaturdashi Shraddha

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Family of the Departed: Sons, grandsons, and other family members perform this shraddha for ancestors who died an untimely or unnatural death, such as through an accident, an attack, or a battle, and seek peace for their souls (Pitru Shanti).
• Householders Seeking Ancestral Blessings: Those who wish to repay their debt to their forefathers (Pitru Rin) offer food and water with faith, praying for the blessings and well-being of the family.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath: Bathe in the early hours, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), or soon after sunrise, and prepare the house and the food for the offering.
• Shraddha Muhurat: The shraddha and tarpan are done in the afternoon during Aparahna (the period after midday). Check the shraddha muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding and Offering: The Brahmin meal and the offerings to the crow, cow, and dog follow the tarpan and pind daan, still within Aparahna.
• Taking the Meal: The family eats only after the offerings are made and the guests are fed.

About the Festival

Chaturdashi Shraddha is a revered observance across India during Pitru Paksha, when families remember and honour their ancestors who met an untimely death. It takes place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known across the world for his generosity, fell in the war of the Mahabharata. His soul rose to the heavenly realm, where he was given an abundance of gold and jewels to eat, but no food or water. Hungry and puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why this was so.

Indra explained: "Karna, in your life you gave gold and wealth to all who asked, but you never offered food to your ancestors in their memory. That is why only gold is placed before you." Karna replied that he had never known who his forefathers were, and so he had never been able to honour them.

Moved by his sincerity, Indra and Yamraj allowed Karna to return to earth for a period of fifteen days. During that time, Karna offered food and water to his ancestors with deep devotion, performing shraddha and tarpan and feeding the hungry. When he returned to the heavens, he was at last given food and water.

Since that day, these fifteen days, known as Pitru Paksha, have been kept for remembering the ancestors, and families offer shraddha on the tithi of their passing. Chaturdashi is kept for those who departed untimely, and their souls are believed to find peace through this offering.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame seeds (til), Kusha grass (Kusha), barley (jau), and clean water in a copper vessel
• Pind Daan Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and ghee for making the pindas
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sandalwood paste, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, Puri, seasonal vegetables, and dal, cooked fresh and without onion or garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, a clean cloth (Vastra), and Dakshina for the Brahmin

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours).
2. Clean the house and the kitchen, and cook the food fresh using only sattvic ingredients, without onion or garlic.
3. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Pitru Devta, today I offer this shraddha for my ancestors who departed untimely. Accept this food and water and grant peace to their souls."

Step 2: Preparing the Place (Aparahna)

1. Clean a space facing south, and spread a clean cloth or a wooden stool (Chowki) for the offering.
2. Place the photograph or name of the departed ancestor, if available, and light a Ghee Diya and incense.
3. Wear a ring of Kusha grass (Pavitri) on your ring finger and keep the sesame, barley, and water within reach.

Step 3: Performing Tarpan

1. Taking the Water: Fill the copper vessel with water and mix in black sesame and barley.
2. Facing South: Sit facing south and offer Tarpan by pouring the water slowly from your palm, between the thumb and forefinger, onto the ground or into a plate.
3. Naming the Ancestors: Offer three portions of water while calling the name and gotra of each ancestor, or for all the souls who departed untimely.

Step 4: Pind Daan

1. Mix the cooked rice, barley flour, sesame, honey, and Ghee, and shape them into small round pindas.
2. Place the pindas on Kusha grass and offer them with Roli, Akshat, flowers, and Tulsi leaves.
3. Pray for the peace and liberation (Moksha) of the departed souls, then immerse the pindas in flowing water or place them respectfully in a clean spot.

Step 5: Panchabali and Feeding the Brahmin

1. Set aside small portions of the cooked food for the cow, dog, crow, ants, and the gods (Panchabali).
2. Invite a Brahmin, wash their feet with respect, and serve the meal with devotion.
3. Offer Dakshina, clothes, or grain according to your means, and take their blessings.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Share the offered food among your family members and any guests.
3. Eat a simple sattvic meal only after the offerings are complete, and spend the rest of the day in calm remembrance of your ancestors.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Shraddha?

• Sons and Family Heirs: Primarily, the son or the eldest male member of the family performs this Shraddha for all the ancestors, especially those whose tithi of passing is not known.
• Daughters and Other Relatives: Where there is no son, the daughter, the spouse, or other close relatives may perform it with devotion, to seek peace for the departed souls (Pitru Shanti).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath: Early in the morning, a ritual bath is taken, and many families visit a river or a sacred water source (or bathe at home with a little Gangajal).
• Shraddha Muhurat: The Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddha is done during Aparahna (afternoon), the time traditionally kept for ancestor rites. Check the Aparahna time for your city on this page.
• Tarpan and Pind Daan: Offered during Aparahna, before the Brahmin or guests are fed.
• Meal: Taken only after the offerings to the ancestors, the Brahmin, and the animals and birds have been made.

About the Festival

Sarva Pitru Amavasya, known as Mahalaya in many regions, is a deeply revered observance across India, when families remember and offer food and water to all their departed ancestors, and it is the last day of Pitru Paksha. It takes place on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Karna and Pitru Paksha)

Once upon a time, the great warrior Karna, known for his generosity, passed away in the Mahabharata war and reached heaven. There he was given gold and jewels to eat instead of food and water. Surprised and hungry, Karna asked Lord Indra why this was so.

Indra explained that Karna had donated gold and jewels all his life, but he had never offered food or water to his ancestors. Karna said that he had not known his ancestors, as he had been raised as the charioteer's son, and so he could not offer anything. Indra, moved by his honesty, gave him a chance to return to the earth for fifteen days.

Indra advised: "Return to the earth, perform the Shraddha and Tarpan for your ancestors, and offer food and water to the hungry. Only then will your ancestors be pleased, and you will receive food in heaven." Karna went back to the earth, fed the poor, and offered water and food to his ancestors for these fifteen days, a period now known as Pitru Paksha. Pleased with his devotion, his ancestors blessed him. Since that day, families have performed the Shraddha with faith, and the last day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is kept for all the ancestors.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the afternoon Shraddha:

• Tarpan Items: Black sesame (Til), barley (Jau), Kusha grass (Kush), and clean water in a copper vessel
• Pind Items: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame, honey, and ghee for making the pind (Pinda)
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense (Dhoop)
• Sacred Water Container: A Lota or copper vessel filled with fresh water, with a little Gangajal if available
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer, rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, and puris, prepared fresh without onion and garlic
• Devotional Accessories: White flowers, Tulsi leaves, sacred thread (Janeu), and a new cloth or Dakshina for the Brahmin

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white or light colours; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O revered ancestors, today I perform the Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddha for all of you with full devotion. May you be pleased and bless our family with peace and prosperity."
3. Prepare a fresh, simple meal without onion and garlic, and avoid eating until the Shraddha is complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Shraddha Space (Aparahna)

1. Clean the place of worship and sprinkle it with Gangajal or fresh water.
2. Sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors, on a clean mat or seat.
3. Place the Tarpan items, Kusha grass, black sesame, and the cooked food within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Shraddha Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense, and invite the ancestors to the offering.
2. Pitru Tarpan: Offer water mixed with black sesame and barley to the ancestors, using Kusha grass, while taking the names of the departed, or offering for all the forefathers together.
3. Offering Pind Daan: Make small pind from rice, barley flour, and sesame, and place them on a leaf or plate with flowers and Tulsi.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place a portion of the freshly cooked meal before the ancestors.

Step 4: Reciting the Shraddha Katha

1. Hold a few Kusha blades and a little water in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully and recite or listen to the story of Karna and Pitru Paksha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, pour the water at the base of the pind with a prayer for the peace of the ancestors.

Step 5: Panchabali and Feeding the Brahmin

1. Set aside five portions of the food for the cow, the dog, the crow (Kakbali), the ants, and the gods (Panchabali).
2. Invite a Brahmin to the home and feed him with respect, serving the food that was prepared for the ancestors.
3. Offer Dakshina and new clothes if possible, and bow before him to receive the blessings of the ancestors.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Shraddha

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Pray once more for the peace of all the departed souls and ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the rites.
3. Share the prasad with your family members and take the meal together, a simple sattvic one, once the offerings are complete.