Shradh in Varanasi
What is Shradh?
Shraddha is a very meaningful and sacred practice in our Hindu tradition. It is a time, a ritual, where we honour and pay our respects to our ancestors, our pitrs, who have departed from this earthly life. The word itself comes from “Shraddha,” meaning faith and reverence.
We perform these rites, often involving offerings of food like pindas (rice balls) and water (tarpan), to express our deep gratitude and love. It is believed these offerings nourish and support the spirits of our ancestors in their journey after death, bringing them peace and helping them towards liberation, or moksha. Performing Shraddha connects us to our lineage, repaying our debt to those who came before us. These ceremonies are usually performed on the death anniversary according to the Hindu calendar, and collectively for all ancestors during Pitru Paksha. It is a duty performed with sincerity, ensuring their well-being and seeking their blessings for the family.
Pitrupaksha 2025 Dates
In 2025, Pitrupaksha will commence on 7th September, and conclude with Mahalaya Amavasya on 21st September. Each day of this period is dedicated to performing Tarpan for different family members.
Here are the dates:
| Date | Name | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| September 7 | Purnima Shraddha | Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima |
| September 8 | Pratipada Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada |
| September 9 | Dwitiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya |
| September 10 | Tritiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya |
| September 10 | Chaturthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturthi |
| September 11 | Maha Bharani | Ashwina, Bharani Nakshatra |
| September 11 | Panchami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Panchami |
| September 12 | Shashthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Shashthi |
| September 13 | Saptami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Saptami |
| September 14 | Ashtami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami |
| September 15 | Navami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Navami |
| September 16 | Dashami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dashami |
| September 17 | Ekadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi |
| September 18 | Dwadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwadashi |
| September 19 | Trayodashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi |
| September 19 | Magha Shraddha | Ashwina, Magha Nakshatra |
| September 20 | Chaturdashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi |
| September 21 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why to Perform Shradh in Varanasi?
Shradh is a devotional rite performed in Varanasi to show homage to and serve the interests of deceased parents and ancestors. A person who does Shradh in Kashi with pure devotion and a calm mind is believed to be rid of all material world troubles.
As a result, everyone should be aware of the many sorts of Shradh and how to do it with the aid of a Pandit for Shradh in Varanasi in order to please one’s parents and ancestors as well as for their personal well-being.
There is no other ritual in Kashi or elsewhere in the world that is more sacred and pure than Shradh, thus an enlightened being should endeavour to do Shradh in Kashi to assist his ancestors in moving on effortlessly to other planes of existence after death, thereby enhancing their spiritual journey.
Long life, health, money, success, intelligent children, positive energy, and a son who may continue the family lineage and bring prosperity are granted to those who conduct various sorts of Shradh.
Who can perform Shradh in Varanasi?
The eldest son gets the first privilege to conduct Shradh karma with Tarpan or Pinddaan to the ancestors, according to Hindu scriptures.
Son can conduct Shradh with his wife after their marriage.
If the elder son is deceased, the younger son can execute Pinddaan, Tarpan, and Shradh karma as well.
In the absence of a son, Shradh karma might be performed by the grandchild of the son.
If a person does not have a son, his siblings might carry out Shradh karma on his behalf.
The daughter’s son has the right to conduct Shradh karma if the individual has exclusively daughters.
Where to Perform Shradh in Varanasi?
People flock to Varanasi or Kashi in pursuit of forgiveness and atonement for all of their sins committed during their lives, which may be found on the banks of the Ganga river. On the banks of the Ganga river, Shradh karma is also performed.
Tripindi Shradh at Varanasi