Varshik Shraddh
वार्षिक श्राद्ध
Annual ceremony performed on the death anniversary (tithi).
About This Ritual
Varshik Shraddh is the annual memorial ritual performed on the death
anniversary of the deceased, calculated according to the Hindu lunar calendar (tithi).
This is one of the most important ongoing obligations of descendants towards their ancestors.
The ritual involves:
1. Preparation of specific foods that the deceased liked
2. Offering Pind (rice balls) to the departed soul
3. Feeding Brahmins (considered as representatives of ancestors)
4. Performing Tarpan (water offerings)
5. Giving donations (daan) in memory of the deceased
The ritual is typically performed in the morning on the day of the tithi. Special dishes
like kheer (rice pudding), puris, and vegetables are prepared. The meal is first offered
to ancestors before family members eat.
Significance
Varshik Shraddh maintains the spiritual connection between the living
and the dead. It is believed that on this day, the ancestor's soul visits the family to
receive offerings. Neglecting this ritual is considered a serious lapse that can lead to
ancestral displeasure (Pitra Dosha).
The Garuda Purana states that properly performed Shraddh provides nourishment to ancestors
for an entire year until the next anniversary.