WHEN: Ashwin/Asoj (September/ October)

Shraadh are performed from Shukla paksh purnima in the month of Bhadon to Shukla Paksh amaavasya in the month of Ashwin. This period of 15 days is called Pitra Paksh.

Shraadh is performed on the same tithi as on the day of the death of the person. Apart from Pitra Paksh, Shraadh can also be performed every month on the same tithi.

Aayu, Prajam, dhanam, sukham, swargam, moksham, sukhani che Prayachanty, tatha Rajyan preetah nranam Pitamaha

Shraadh in Sanskrit mean that which is done with Shraddha i.e. with respect. By doing the Shraadh, we satisfy the souls of the forefathers and they in return bless their children with long life, long lineage, wealth, happiness, moksha and bhagwat bhakti. Performing the Shraadh absolves the son from Pitra Runa – the debt to his father.

Shraadh can be performed by all the sons. If the son is out of town then the daughter in law can perform the Shraadh.

Shraadh can also be performed by grandsons, great grandsons, daughter’s son also but if their father is alive, then the child cannot do the Shraadh of any relative.

Generally, Shraadh is performed between 11.30 am to 12.00 pm.

If, by any chance, Shraadh cannot be performed on the same tithi in Pitra Paksh, then it can be performed on the Amaavasya of Pitra Paksh.

HOW: Preparation for the Shraadh

• Food – Puri, poodas, urad daal stuffed bedmi, potato curry, turai curry, chawal kheer, grated mooli and cucumber salad, moongdaal, dry wadas are usually cooked on this day
• Urad daal, mooli (raddish), turai and cucumber are essential
• Rice, besan, haldi are not to be used in Shraadh meal
• Tarpan – Brahmin does the tarpan after the Shraadh, things required for tarpan are: 2 rings made out of kusha (grass), little black til (seasame seeds), jaun, chawal, unboiled milk, wheat flour, gangajal and panch paatra

Offerings for Brahmins/Pundits

• For the Shraadh of a man – Generally dhoti, kurta material,vest, handkerchief, towel, fruit and some money is given. Some people give only dhoti, towel and money.
• For the Shraadh of a woman – a saree, blouse piece and some money is given.

Method of performing Shraadh

• The son who performs the Shraadh ceremony should not shave, cut nails or hair on this day. The son’s wife should not wash her hair. Food is eaten only after the Shraadh is performed.
• The Brahmins are informed in advance. A minimum of one to three Brahmins are invited.
• Out of these Brahmins, one takes out the ‘haathe’.
• One woman Brahmin is invited for the Shraadh of a woman.
• A day previous to the Shraadh, a deepak is lit in the evening and is placed in Painda where the water is stored in the kitchen. This differs from house to house.
• The Pundit does the sankalp and puja of the Shraadh.
• The woman of the house puts a set of 2 puris in five places on a thali. Small portions of pooda, kheer, turai, cucumber and other items are placed on each set of puri. This is called taking out gau grass.
• After the tarpan, one set of puri is sent for the cow, one for the ant, one for the dog, one set for the crow and one set for agni/fire.
• One thali (filled with all the food) is served as an offering for a departed soul which later on is offered to the Brahmin who is performing the Shraadh.
• After the Brahmins have partaken their food, the son puts the tilak and gives them the offering of clothes and money. After this, the son has his meal.
• Some people only have the Shraadh food on this day and have fruits in the evening.
• If you are travelling or unable to perform the Shraadh in the house, then you can give some money and seedha to the Brahmin in the temple for performing the Shraadh.

Note: The husband does not eat the food cooked for his wife’s Shraadh. The wife does not eat the food cooked for her husband’s Shraadh. One does not eat food made for the Shraadh of anyone younger than him/her.