Shraddha (ಶ್ರಾದ್ಧ) is a traditional ancestral ritual performed with bhakti (ಭಕ್ತಿ), shraddhe (ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ), respect, remembrance, and family unity.
For many families, Shraddha is not simply a ceremony. It is a time to remember and honour our ancestors (ಹಿರಿಯರು / ಪಿತೃಗಳು), follow family traditions, and come together with devotion.
The exact procedure can differ according to sampradaya (ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯ), family customs, region, and the guidance of the Bhatru or Purohita. Therefore, this article presents a traditional overview rather than one fixed procedure applicable to every family.
1. Sootaka and Shuddha (ಸೂತಕ ಮತ್ತು ಶುದ್ಧತೆ)
Before performing Shraddha, the required traditional conditions of the family are considered.
If Sootaka (ಸೂತಕ) applies, the prescribed period is observed according to the family's tradition. The family then follows Shuddha (ಶುದ್ಧತೆ) before beginning the Shraddha.
Maintaining traditional cleanliness and discipline is an important part of preparing for the ceremony.
2. Enne Kottu Mindu (ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಮಿಂದು)
As part of the traditional preparation, family members may follow the practice of enne kottu mindu (ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಮಿಂದು) — applying oil and taking a bath.
After this, the required Madi (ಮಡಿ) is observed.
Madi represents the traditional cleanliness and discipline maintained while preparing food and performing the rituals.
3. Thithi Aduge (ತಿಥಿ ಅಡುಗೆ)
The preparation of Thithi Aduge (ತಿಥಿ ಅಡುಗೆ) is an important part of the Shraddha arrangements.
The food is prepared according to the family's traditional practices and the requirements of the particular Shraddha.
For families following traditional Madi practices, having an experienced Madi cook can help with the preparation of the required food and Naivedya.
Bhatru.com also provides traditional Madi cooking and Shradha food arrangements as part of its religious service offerings.
4. Beginning the Thithi (ತಿಥಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ)
The Shraddha begins on the prescribed Thithi (ತಿಥಿ).
Traditionally, in many families, the Hiriya Maga (ಹಿರಿಯ ಮಗ) is considered the Karthru (ಕರ್ತೃ) and performs the principal responsibilities of the ritual.
The Karthru follows the instructions of the Bhatru or Purohita and performs the required rituals with the support of the family.
5. Performing Shraddha with Bhakti and Shraddhe
Shraddha is performed with:
Bhakti (ಭಕ್ತಿ) + Shraddhe (ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ) + Shuddhate (ಶುದ್ಧತೆ) + Aikyathe (ಐಕ್ಯತೆ)
The family comes together and performs the ceremony with devotion and respect.
The purpose is not only to complete a sequence of rituals, but also to preserve a tradition that has been passed from one generation to another.
6. Pinda (ಪಿಂಡ) Preparation
One of the important traditional aspects of Shraddha is the preparation of Pinda (ಪಿಂಡ).
Depending on the family's tradition and the type of Shraddha, Pinda may be prepared using ingredients such as:
- Anna / Rice (ಅನ್ನ)
- Yellu / Sesame (ಎಳ್ಳು)
- Payasa (ಪಾಯಸ)
- Rasayana (ರಸಾಯನ)
The preparation of Pinda is not necessarily identical for every Shraddha.
The practice may vary for:
- Varshika Shraddha (ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಶ್ರಾದ್ಧ)
- Mahalaya Shraddha (ಮಹಾಲಯ ಶ್ರಾದ್ಧ)
- Other Shraddha-related ceremonies
Therefore, the family should follow the method prescribed by its Bhatru or Purohita and its particular sampradaya.
7. Traditional Bhojana and Bali
After the relevant rituals, traditional bhojana and offerings are carried out according to the family's customs.
A sequence followed in some traditions includes:
Devara Bale → Gou (Cow) → Bhatru / Purohitaru → Gurikaararu → Brahmana Bhojana
The family members then serve the traditional food respectfully.
Food preparation and serving are important parts of the overall Shraddha arrangements. Traditional Madi cooks can assist families with the preparation of religious meals and Shradha food.
8. Mantrakshate and Ashirvada (ಮಂತ್ರಾಕ್ಷತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ)
After the important parts of the ceremony and bhojana are completed, Mantrakshate (ಮಂತ್ರಾಕ್ಷತೆ) is given according to the family's tradition.
Elders then bless the younger members of the family.
This moment carries an important family value: the tradition and blessings received from previous generations are symbolically carried forward to the next generation.
9. Arati (ಆರತಿ)
Arati (ಆರತಿ) is performed as part of the concluding practices followed by the family.
It provides a moment for everyone to come together after the completion of the main rituals.
10. Anna to Kage (ಕಾಗೆಗೆ ಅನ್ನ)
In many traditional practices, Anna (ಅನ್ನ) is placed for the Kage (ಕಾಗೆ / Crow).
This practice is associated with ancestral remembrance and is followed according to family and regional customs.
Shraddha Is About More Than a Ceremony
Shraddha represents remembrance, respect, gratitude, devotion, and responsibility towards our ancestors.
It also brings family members together.
From preparing the Thithi Aduge to observing Madi, from preparing Pinda to performing the prescribed rituals, from serving traditional bhojana to receiving blessings from elders — every stage can carry significance within the family's tradition.
The most important principle is to perform the ceremony with:
Bhakti (ಭಕ್ತಿ)
Shraddhe (ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ)
Shuddhate (ಶುದ್ಧತೆ)
Aikyathe (ಐಕ್ಯತೆ)
Different Families, Different Traditions
There is no single procedure that should be assumed to apply identically to every family.
Shraddha practices can differ based on:
- Family Sampradaya
- Regional customs
- Type of Shraddha
- Gotra and family traditions
- Guidance of the Bhatru or Purohita
- Specific requirements of the ceremony
For this reason, families should consult their traditional Bhatru/Purohita when planning the exact procedure, mantras, food, Pinda preparation, and sequence.
How Bhatru.com Can Help
Planning a traditional Shraddha can involve several arrangements at the same time. Families may need to arrange:
- Bhatru / Purohit / Pandit
- Shraddha and Mahalaya rituals
- Thithi-related arrangements
- Pooja Samagri
- Traditional Madi cooking
- Naivedya and religious food
- Brahmana bhojana
Bhatru.com aims to make these traditional services easier to discover and arrange through one platform.
A Simple Way to Begin
Choose your requirement → Fill the form → Consult an experienced Bhatru → Plan the Shraddha → Complete the ceremony
Book a Bhatru TodayPreserving Tradition for the Next Generation
Our traditions are carried forward when we understand them, practise them, and teach them to the next generation.
Shraddha gives families an opportunity to pause, remember their ancestors, come together, and continue the customs passed down through generations.
Bhakti. Shraddhe. Shuddhate. Aikyathe.
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