KATHMANDU: This year’s Sohra Shraddha, also known as Pitri Paksha, has officially begun today. According to the calendar approved by the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee, the Shraddha for Pratipada should be performed today.
The Pindadan (ritual food offerings) for Pratipada must be completed by this afternoon, informed Committee Member Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai to RSS.
Sohra Shraddha is a 16-lunar-day period during which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors through ritual offerings, particularly food.
The period begins on the full moon day of Bhadra in the lunar calendar. During this time, devotees flock to temples to perform Shraddha, the annual ritual of remembrance for deceased family members.
According to Hindu belief, the souls of one’s three preceding generations reside in Pitri-loka, a spiritual realm between heaven and earth. Performing Shraddha—especially by sons—is considered a sacred duty to help the souls attain peace and eventually reach heaven.
In the Kathmandu Valley, many Hindu devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple and other sacred sites to carry out rituals in the names of their departed ancestors.
Comment