Pitru Tarpan / Shraddha

Shraddha and tarpan are offerings to one's ancestors (pitrus) — on the death anniversary and during Pitru Paksha — with water, sesame, kusha grass and food.

Why is Pitru Tarpan / Shraddha performed?

Remembering and nourishing ancestors is a duty of every generation and is believed to bring their blessings to the family.

Who performs it?

Hindu families everywhere; pilgrims go to Gaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Trimbakeshwar for Pitru Paksha.

When to perform it

On the tithi of the ancestor’s passing each year, during Pitru Paksha (the dark fortnight before Navratri), and on Amavasya days, especially Mahalaya Amavasya.

Preparing at home

Keep the names of ancestors for three generations on both sides, black sesame, kusha grass, barley flour and rice, and arrange food for Brahmins, cows, crows and dogs.

After the puja

Charity and feeding the needy complete the shraddha. Many families avoid celebrations and new purchases during Pitru Paksha.

Regional traditions

Gaya in Bihar is the most important place for pinda daan; Varanasi, Prayagraj, Trimbakeshwar and Rameswaram are also visited. Bengalis mark Mahalaya with tarpan at the Ganga at dawn.

Things to avoid

Tarpan is traditionally done facing south with the sacred thread over the right shoulder — your pandit will guide you.

Puja vidhi — step by step

Sankalp — The family sits facing east or north. The pandit states the date, place, family names and gotra, and the purpose of the puja; the host takes water in the right hand as a vow.
Tarpan — Water with sesame is offered to the ancestors with their names.
Pinda daan — Rice-and-barley pindas are offered.
Brahmin bhojan and daan — Food is offered to Brahmins, cows, crows and dogs; charity is given.

Families and pandits follow different traditions; your pandit may add or skip steps.

Samagri — what you need

Black sesame (til)
Kusha grass ring (pavitri)
Barley flour and rice for pinda
Water vessel
White flowers
Food for Brahmins / cows / crows

Most pandits bring the special items; confirm the list when they contact you.

Request a pandit

Need a pandit for Pitru Tarpan / Shraddha? Tell us your city, language and date — a coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp. No payment on MyPujaWorld.

Frequently asked questions

When is Shraddha performed?

On the tithi of the ancestor's passing each year and during Pitru Paksha.

Can it be done from abroad?

Yes — many families arrange it at Gaya or Varanasi in their name (see E-Puja).