Shraadh / Pitra Paksh at Home
Shraadh is the ritual offering to departed ancestors (pitrs), performed annually on their death anniversary tithi or during the 16-day Pitra Paksha period. Releases the souls from any lingering karmic debts.
Spiritual significance
Pitra Paksha is the 16-day period of the dark fortnight of Ashwin month, dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. It is believed the pitrs descend from Pitra Loka during this time to receive offerings.
The Shraadh ritual involves tarpan (water offerings with sesame and barley), pinda dan (rice ball offerings), and feeding of Brahmins and cows. Each pinda represents an ancestor for three generations.
If Shraadh is not performed, it is believed that ancestors may remain unsettled, causing pitru dosha — obstacles in marriage, childbirth, and family prosperity.
The ceremony also includes charity to the needy and donations to cows, crows, and dogs, who are considered messengers of the ancestors.
What’s included
- Sankalp with three generations of ancestors’ names
- Tarpan at home (or Gaya/Varanasi coordination)
- Pinda Dan ceremony
- Brahmana bhojan coordination
- Donation arrangements
- All samagri
What to prepare at home
The host should bathe and wear plain white or cream clothes. No onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food in the home on that day. Arrange a clean area in the south (direction of pitrs) for the offerings. Prepare satvik food for the pandit and for donation.
Recommended muhurat
Specific tithi of ancestor’s passing during Pitra Paksha (Sep–Oct). Otherwise, any Amavasya, Ekadashi, or monthly tithi of passing.
Pricing tiers
Transparent pricing based on samagri quality and duration.
- 1 Senior Pandit, 3-hour ceremony
- Full tarpan for 3 generations
- Brahmin bhojan for 3
- Donation to gaushala coordinated
- 2 Pandits, 4-hour ceremony
- Tripindi Shraadh included
- Brahmin bhojan for 7
- Coordination with Gaya/Trimbakeshwar for shila offering
- Full pitru dosha nivaran puja
Available pandits
Verified specialists ready to perform Shraadh / Pitra Paksh at your home.
Frequently asked questions
Is this appropriate if I don’t know my ancestors’ gotra?
Can this replace a trip to Gaya?
Ready to book your Shraadh / Pitra Paksh?
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