A death anniversary, also known as barshi after death, is a Hindu ritual performed in memory of loved ones who passed away. The ceremony is usually performed annually on the day when the person passed away. It is typically performed by the eldest son but the other siblings join in offering prayers together. It is a way for family members to express gratitude and connect spiritually with their departed ancestors for their peace.
The puja is usually performed on the death anniversary according to the lunar calendar but it can also be done during the annual Pitru Paksha period. It is not only a tribute but also a means to bring closure, peace and spiritual connection for both the departed soul and their family.
Benefits of Performing Death Ceremony
Conducting a death anniversary is not only a powerful spiritual act but also provides emotional and cultural benefits for families.
- Helps the soul attain peace and move toward moksha.
- Purifies the home, creating a positive environment.
- Acts of giving honor to the departed and building positive karma.
- Helps family members find peace and closure.
- Invokes blessings for the family’s prosperity and protection.
Death Anniversary Rituals
The death ceremony involves a set of death anniversary rituals and pujas that are performed as per the guidance of a priest. These include:
- Take a sankalp to perform the ritual.
- Offering rice balls to the departed soul.
- Offering water mixed with sesame seeds.
- Perform havan for purification.
- Feeding the priests and the needy.
Key Elements of a Death Ceremony
The key elements of a traditional death ceremony puja that families can follow to make this occasion meaningful.
- A death anniversary ritual is typically performed by choosing the right date and time to ensure accuracy.
- Arrange a small altar with photographs of the ancestor and offer sacred items.
- Engaging a priest can be beneficial for chanting the mantras accurately.
- Many families conclude the rituals by distributing food to the needy, which is considered auspicious for the soul’s journey.
- A feeding the poor, many people donate items as charity to bring blessings and help honor the memory of the departed.
- The puja concludes with the Shanti Path for universal harmony. Then the family seeks blessings from the departed, bringing them close to the ritual.
Annual Death Ceremony Procedure
The annual death ceremony procedure generally follows these steps:
- Purification: The family bathes and wears clean clothes.
- Altar Setup: A photo of the deceased is placed on a clean cloth, decorated with flowers and incense.
- Innovation: The priest invokes the ancestors and the departed soul.
- Pind & Tarpan Daan: Food and water offerings are made.
- Pooja & Havan: Chanting of mantras and fire rituals.
- Donation: Donate clothes, food and money in memory of the departed soul.
Do & Don'ts After Death in Hindu Family
Do’s | Don’ts |
Follow the mourning period as per the family tradition. | Don’t celebrate or hold big family functions during the mourning period. |
Perform all last rites properly with devotion. | Don’t cut hair or shave before the last rites are completed. |
On the death anniversary, offer food to Brahmins or poor people. | Don’t buy new clothes or jewelry until the last rites are completed. |
Ask the priest for the correct date and proper rituals. | Don’t visit temples till the last rites are completed. |
Online Death Ceremony Puja
Online death ceremony puja allows families to perform the death anniversary or barshi puja or last rites ceremony and rituals through priests at any of the sacred places without visiting there. This is useful for people who cannot travel and can be done properly from home.
For a hassle-free online death anniversary ritual and complete guidance for the death ceremony pooja, you can call us at 9484950052.
