Pind Daan at Varanasi FAQs
Answers to all of your Pind Daan at Varanasi related Questions
What should one bring for the Pind Daan ritual?
Most items are arranged by the purohit, but it’s good to bring:
- A photo of the deceased (optional).
- Clean white clothes for males, and sober-colored clothes for others.
- Til (sesame), rice, honey, ghee, if preferred from home.
Donations and offerings like vastra, fruits, dakshina, etc., are also customary.
What donations or charity should be given after Pind Daan?
After the ritual, it is auspicious to offer:
- Dakshina to the Pandit.
- Vastra (cloth), utensils, grains, or fruits to Brahmins or the poor.
- Feeding cows, dogs, or birds is also meritorious.
This selfless giving is known as “Pitru Daan”, and it greatly pleases the souls of ancestors.
Can Pind Daan be done for ancestors whose death dates are unknown?
- Yes, Vedic scriptures allow and encourage Pind Daan for unknown ancestors or forgotten souls.
- The ritual is then performed under the title “Sarva Pitru”, invoking peace for all ancestral souls in the lineage.
- This is especially beneficial during Sarvapitri Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha, which covers all departed souls.
Are there any restrictions or dos and donts before performing Pind Daan?
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or alcohol before the ritual.
- Remain pure in body and mind—early bath and clean clothes are essential.
- Women in menstruation are traditionally advised to refrain from participation.
- Maintain silence, devotion, and concentration during the ritual
What are the ideal dates or occasions for performing Pind Daan in Varanasi?
- The most auspicious time is during Pitru Paksha, the 16-day period dedicated to ancestors.
- Other ideal days include Amavasya (New Moon), Gaya Shraddha, Eclipses, and Tithi Shraddha of the departed soul.
- Any day is spiritually significant in Kashi, but these periods are especially sacred.
Can Pind Daan be performed for someone who died recently?
- Yes, Pind Daan can be performed immediately after the 10th or 13th-day post-death rites, known as Dasgatra or Terahvin.
- However, a more elaborate Shraddh and Tarpan is usually done annually or during Pitru Paksha.
- Doing Pind Daan in Kashi soon after death is considered especially powerful for soul transition
When to do Pind Daan in Varanasi or kashi?
Pind Daan can be performed on any day of the year in Varanasi, but there are specific periods considered more auspicious for conducting these rituals. The most favorable times include:
- Pitru Paksha: This is a 16-lunar day period in the Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. In 2024, it is falling on 17th September till 2nd October.
- Amavasya: The no moon day is considered significant for Pind Daan, especially the Amavasya of the Hindu month of Magha, Vaishakha, and Kartika.
- On the death anniversary: Performing Pind Daan on the annual death anniversary of the deceased is also considered beneficial for the peace of the departed soul.
View our Pind daan in Varanasi or Kashi Package here.
Can Pind Daan in Varanasi remove Pitru Dosh?
- Yes, when done with sincerity and proper mantras, Pind Daan in Kashi can help mitigate the effects of Pitru Dosh in the horoscope.
- Additional rituals like Tripindi Shraddha or Narayan Bali may be recommended if Pitru Dosh is severe.
- A knowledgeable astrologer or Pandit can advise the correct remedy
Is it necessary to perform Pind Daan every year in Varanasi?
It is not mandatory to do it every year in Varanasi; however:
- One-time Pind Daan in Kashi has eternal spiritual benefit.
- Annual Shraddh or Tarpan can be performed at home or local tirtha.
Devotees often come again on milestone death anniversaries or during Pitru Paksha.
Is advance booking required for Pind Daan in Varanasi?
- Yes, it is highly recommended to make advance arrangements with a reliable and knowledgeable Kashi Pandit.
- Especially during Pitru Paksha, Amavasya, or festival periods, ghats become crowded and purohits are booked early.
- Booking in advance ensures personalized attention, proper arrangements, and smoother execution of the rituals