ShraddhaPitri PakshaCultureRitualNepal
🌺 Why do we perform Shraddha? A Detailed and Simple Explanation of Ancestral Reverence
Understand the deep cultural, psychological, and scientific reasons behind Sohra Shraddha and the annual Shraddha. Learn about the concept of cosmic debts, the soul's journey, and the beautiful cultural variations of ancestor worship across Nepal.
N
Nepal Jyotish TeamIn Nepali society, just before the arrival of the grand festival of Bada Dashain, a quiet and serious atmosphere settles over homes and villages for 16 days. However, the act of remembering ancestors is not only done right before Dashain but at other times of the year as well. In our modern and busy lives, many people wonder— "Why do we remember our ancestors in this way? Why is Shraddha performed twice a year? And what are its scientific or psychological reasons?"
Based on deep studies and an analysis of our beliefs, let us understand the fascinating reasons behind this ancient and beautiful tradition in very simple language.
Why is Shraddha performed twice a year?
In our Vedic tradition, there are primarily two different times designated for remembering ancestors and performing Shraddha:
-
Ekoddishta Shraddha (Annual Anniversary): This Shraddha is performed once a year on the exact lunar day (Tithi) of an ancestor's death (e.g., Baishakh Shukla Panchami). In this ritual, only the specific individual who passed away is remembered, and the Pinda (offering) is dedicated solely to them.
-
Parvana or Sohra Shraddha (Pitri Paksha): This is a special 16-day period of the year (from Bhadra Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya), where we do not just remember one specific person, but collectively honor three generations of our family (father, grandfather, and great-grandfather) as well as ancestors from the maternal side. Even if someone has forgotten the exact annual death anniversary of an ancestor, they can honor them during Sohra Shraddha. It is like a national holiday dedicated entirely to all ancestors.
Why exactly is Shraddha performed? Main Reasons:
1. To repay the 'Pitri Rin' (Ancestral Debt):
According to scriptures, we are born with three primary debts: debt to the gods (Dev Rin), debt to the sages (Rishi Rin), and debt to our ancestors (Pitri Rin). Even though our ancestors do not have a physical body anymore, we exist in this world because of them. Just as we must repay a bank loan, we offer water (Tarpan) and food (Pinda) to clear our cosmic debt to them.
2. To provide food and energy for the soul's long journey:
It is believed that the journey of a soul after death is extremely long and difficult, taking about 11 months to complete. During this journey through the afterlife, they have no access to food or water. The 'Pinda' (a small ball made of rice/barley mixed with ghee, sesame, and honey) and 'Tarpan' offered by living descendants serves as their subtle nourishment, providing them with the energy needed for their journey.
3. Wealth cannot replace food: The Story of Karna:
The reason Pitri Paksha lasts exactly 16 days is deeply connected to the mythological story of Karna. Known for his immense generosity, Karna donated large amounts of gold and silver throughout his life but never offered food or water in the name of his ancestors. After death, when he reached heaven and asked for food, he was served gold and silver. Distressed and hungry, he was advised by Lord Indra to return to Earth for 16 days to offer food and water to his ancestors, thereby performing 'Shraddha'. This story teaches us that cosmic debts to ancestors cannot be bought off with mere physical wealth.
Where is Shraddha performed? (Homes and Famous Sacred Sites)
Usually, people perform Shraddha at their own homes, in their puja rooms, or on the banks of nearby rivers according to their convenience and family traditions. The vast majority of Shraddha in Nepal is done at home.
However, sometimes with a special vow, or with the intent to grant ultimate liberation (Moksha) to their ancestors at least once in their lifetime, people travel to famous sacred pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It is a deep belief that ancestors attain liberation when Shraddha is performed at these powerful locations:
- Kagbeni (Mustang): Situated at the freezing confluence of the Kali Gandaki river, Kagbeni is revered as the ultimate place for ancestral liberation. Thousands make the arduous journey to offer Pinda here.
- Gokarneshwor (Kathmandu): Often referred to as the 'Uttar Gaya' (the Gaya of the North), similar to Gaya in India. A massive gathering occurs here on Kushe Aunsi (Father's Day) specifically for ancestral salvation.
- Devghat (Tanahun): Located at the confluence of the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers, performing Shraddha at Devghat is believed to open the gates of heaven directly.
The Beautiful and Diverse Forms of Ancestor Worship across Nepal's Communities
Shraddha is not merely a ritual performed by Brahmins or Chhetris; the indigenous communities of Nepal have their own unique and beautiful traditions for honoring ancestors:
- Newar Community (Guthi and Budha Janko): The Newar culture manages ancestor worship through the communal 'Guthi' system. Furthermore, through 'Budha Janko', elderly family members who cross the age of 77 or 88 are worshipped as 'living ancestors' and even treated as deities, paraded on chariots in a highly scientific and respectful tradition.
- Mithilanchal (Jitiya Parva): In the Terai region, during the time of Sohra Shraddha, women celebrate the 'Jitiya Parva'. Mothers undertake a severe fast, not even drinking water, and offer special foods like beaten rice and curd to the supreme deity and their departed ancestors simultaneously.
- Chepang Community (Nwagi / Chhonam): The Chepang people from the hills observe a strict taboo where they do not eat the newly harvested crops (like dry rice and taro) until they have formally offered them to their ancestors. This nature-worshipping festival also falls precisely around the time of Sohra Shraddha.
A Changing Society: Daughters are also performing Ancestral Duties
Historically, there was a strict belief that only the eldest son or male members of the family could perform Shraddha and offer Pinda. However, a tremendously positive shift is happening in modern Nepali society. With progressive thinking and an understanding of gender equality, daughters are now openly stepping forward to perform Tarpan and Pinda Daan at home or at holy sites like Gokarneshwor and Devghat. This beautiful evolution proves that respect and reverence for ancestors can be offered by anyone, son or daughter.
The 'Psychological Cleansing' before the joy of Dashain
The fact that Sohra Shraddha falls immediately before Dashain is not a mere coincidence. Before celebrating a festival as grand and joyous as Dashain, we look back at our past. By living a simple, pure life and dedicating 16 days to mourning and remembrance, we cleanse our minds of grief and heaviness. Only after bidding farewell to the ancestors on the 16th day (Aunsi) and securing their blessings, does the joyous festival of Dashain, starting with Ghatasthapana, officially begin the very next morning.
In Conclusion
Shraddha is not a blind superstition or just an outdated orthodox rule. It is a profound psychological and cultural mechanism designed to institutionalize our family history, honor the continuity of our bloodline, and teach us to remain deeply 'grateful' to the preceding generation. By remembering them twice a year—mostly at the threshold of their own homes and sometimes at sacred sites—Nepali society maintains a beautiful and delicate balance between the past (ancestors) and the present (us).