What is Paya Shraddha and when is it performed in Odia families?

Paya Shraddha is a specific ceremony in the Odia tradition performed on the 3rd, 6th, or 9th month after death, or when a significant family event occurs such as the birth of a child. The offering is payasa (kheer or rice cooked in milk) rather than the plain rice pinda used in regular Shraddha. The name comes from the Odia word for milk-based preparation. Unlike Barsika or Mahalaya Shraddha, Paya Shraddha can be performed at home by the karta without a pandit if they know the basic mantra, though engaging a pandit ensures the full vidhi is observed correctly per the Dharma Sindhu.