Ancestors
Pitru Tarpan / Shraddha in Delhi · Marathi
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.
Pandits in Delhi
No pandits in Delhi are listed on MyPujaWorld yet — send a request below and our coordinator will find one who speaks Marathi. Are you a pandit in Delhi? List your services free.
Request a pandit in Delhi
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
How do I find a pandit for Pitru Tarpan / Shraddha in Delhi?
Fill in the Request a Pandit form on this page with your date and preferred language (Marathi). A coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp with a pandit available in Delhi.
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).
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