Things to do during Shradh

Posted on 29/09/2014 I by: Priya Sharma

Shradh is a Sanskrit word which literally means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. In the Hindu religion, it is the ritual that one performs to pay homage to one's 'ancestors' especially to one's dead parents. Conceptually, it is a way for people to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks towards their parents and ancestors, for having helped them to be what they are and praying for their peace. It also can be thought of as a "day of remembrance.

Make the Shradh offerings. The mahadaan of 35 items is particularly good. When you do this, you ensure that when you are on your journey to your next body, you do not lack for these things.

This is an opportunity to send them healing as well as to donate the ancestors' favorite food and fruit in their name to spiritualists or others as described.

If you do not know which tithi is appropriate for feeding the ancestors as according to the death tithi (time) of the ancestor, you can make the offerings on the first shradh or the last (or both).
Offer food to a needy person every day.

Do not eat at other people's homes or as their guest. In general, eating as another's guest makes one indebted to the host and is know as a debt of salt and grains that must be returned/balanced out.

Do not eat meat, fish, eggs, alcohol during this period. The pitras love to feed on these energies– They will bring many other unrelated ghosts to the party to dine off you. Some of these univited guests may stay with you. Prevention is much easier than detoxification that would be needed if you do get infected by these entities.