Shraddha is a Hindu ceremony performed in honor of a dead ancestor. It is a social and religious responsibility enjoined on all male Hindus, except for some sannyasis or ascetics. The ceremony is performed for the deceased father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as for the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The rite is intended to nourish, protect, and support the spirits of the dead in their pilgrimage from the lower to the higher realms, preceding their reincarnation and reappearance on Earth. The rites are performed between the 11th and 31st day after death, depending on caste traditions, and at regular intervals thereafter. The first annual death anniversary is observed by a shraddha ceremony that enables the deceased to be admitted into the assembly of forefathers.

The Shraddha ceremony is an important ritual and is generally a day of remembrance. It is a way of expressing gratitude for what the ancestors are and for praying for the lost parent’s peace. The period of Shraddha extends for around 15 days right before Sharad Navaratri in autumn. The Karta performs the shraddha rituals by inviting the Brahmanas and worshiping and feeding them. To protect and nourish the ancestors, a fire ritual called the “homa” is performed, and then balls of rice are offered to the departed souls. The offerings are made to three generations, and all the rituals must be performed with devotion, whole-heartedness, and respect towards the deceased. Following the offerings, the ceremony is concluded by extending hospitality to the Brahmanas and giving Dakshina (fees).

The Shraddha rituals consist of the following main activities:

• Pindadan: the offering of rice, cows milk, Ghee, sugar, and honey in the form of Pinda (rounded heap of the offering) to the ancestors.
• Tarpan: the offering of water mixed with black sesame, barley, Kusha grass, and white flours. It is believed that ancestors are appeased by the process of Tarpan.
• Feeding the Brahmin: it is a must to complete the Shraddha ritual. Offering to the crows is also made before food is offered to the Brahmin.

The Shraddha ceremony is considered very important during the first year of the death. The soul travels through Yamapuri for another eleven months, and only in the twelfth month, it reaches the court of Yamaraj. During the period of eleven months, it has no access to food and water. It is believed that Pindadan and Tarpan done by the son and family members satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul during its journey till it reaches the court of the Yamaraj.

Overall, the Shraddha ceremony is a way to repay the debt to ancestors and to ensure their journey after death is comfortable and...