Shraad or Shraddha is a Hindu ritual performed to pay homage to ones ancestors, especially to ones dead parents. The term "Shraad" comes from the Sanskrit word "shraddha," which means faith or devotion. The ritual is both a social and religious responsibility enjoined on all male Hindus. The central aim of Shraad is to ensure the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife, and it is a way of showing respect and gratitude to ancestors. The offerings made during the ceremony are believed to be received by the ancestors, providing them peace and a better afterlife, and in return, the ancestors bless their descendants. The rituals performed during Shraad aim to assist the soul of the deceased in its journey through the afterlife.

Some of the main activities of the Shraad ritual include Pindadan, which is the offering of rice, cows milk, ghee, sugar, and honey in the form of Pinda (rounded heap of the offering) to the ancestors. The ceremony can take place in a variety of settings, including ones own home or at pilgrimage sites near holy rivers like the Ganges. The length of the ceremony can vary based on regional customs and specific family traditions.

Overall, Shraad is a way for Hindus to honor and remember their ancestors and to ensure their well-being in the afterlife. It is a deeply rooted tradition that offers closure and a sense of connection to deceased relatives for the living family members.