Prayagraj- Shradh

Shradh is a ritual where offering is made to the ancestors like food, water and their favourite items. It is mainly done to satisfy the unfulfilled wants of spirits. The Shradh is done for mainly one ancestor and prayers include the last three generations of the ancestors from both father’s and mother’s sides. This ritual in Varanasi is done for the spirits of the ancestors to find peace and moksha. The duration of Shradh is usually 15 days, although it can be shorter or longer depending on individual beliefs and regional customs.

First, the mantras are chanted and Sankalp is taken in the name of the devotees. Then the prayer is done for all the ancestors of the husband’s and wife’s families. After that mantras are chanted according to the Vedic ritual and food made of rice and also water is offered to the ancestors. At last, prayer is done to all the ancestors to accept all the rituals and forgive for all the mistakes made. Then the devotees have to take a bath.