How is Tarpan performed in Haridwar?

While a Pandit can guide the specific mantras, the basic procedure at a Haridwar Ghat involves:

• Purification: Taking a holy dip (Snan) in the Ganges.
• Facing Direction: Usually facing South for Pitru Tarpan (ancestors), East for Deva Tarpan, and North for Rishi Tarpan.
• Materials: Using water (Gangajal), usually mixed with black sesame seeds (for Pitrus) and sometimes Kusha grass (Darbha grass) ring worn on the finger. Rice grains (Akshat) might be used for Deva/Rishi Tarpan.
• Offering Water: Taking water in cupped hands (Anjali) and releasing it slowly, typically from the space between the thumb and index finger for Pitrus, or over the fingertips for Devas, while chanting appropriate mantras invoking the names/groups being offered to (e.g., specific ancestors, Pitru Loka).
• Repetitions: Offering water multiple times (often 3 times) for each category (Deva, Rishi, Pitru).