Varshik Shradh Puja - Prayagraj

Varshik Shraddha (also called Barasi) is an annual death anniversary ceremony performed in honor of a loved one and to appease the soul. It is celebrated on the same lunar tithi (date) of the person's death and can be done at home, in temples or at holy places like Prayagraj. Pilgrims flock to Prayagraj to perform these rituals - believed to aid in the spiritual journey of ancestors and bring blessings of well-being and positive energy to the family.

The annual Shraddha begins with a bath and wearing clean clothes. The family invites the priest and organizes a puja near a river or at home. Then, salnalpa is taken with the names of the twelve devotees. Then, the Panditji invokes the ancestors with chanting and prayers. A sacred fire (havan) is lit, and offerings of water, black sesame seeds, rice, flowers and pinda (rice balls) are made for the ancestors. Mantras and prayers are chanted for the peace of the deceased soul. Finally, food and clothes are offered to Brahmins or the needy to seek the blessings and satisfaction of the ancestors.