Shradh is a prominent ritual followed in Hinduism to calm souls of departed ancestors. Here are few pointers on how did it begin and why is it performed:

1. When: Shradh as a ritual is carried out in the Pitru Paksha days, the duration is a 15-day period during to pay homage to departed family members and ancestors. Food is offered in this ritual. In 2017, the time to observe Shradh is from 05th September to19th September.
2. Why Is Food Offered To Departed Souls: According to Garuda Purana, 13 days after the death of an individual, the soul starts its journey to Yamalok or Yamapuri and then travels through Yamapuri for 11 months and only in the 12th month reaches the court of Yamraj. During this period, it is believed that access to food and water is denied to the soul therefore, Pind daan and Tarpan are rituals that are performed to ensure the departed soul’s hunger and thirst is quenched. This ritual is done by the eldest son or other family members.

There are similar stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata, which state that Pind daan gives Moksha to the souls.

Ramayana: Maa Sita and Lord Rama, visited banks of Phalgu River. Maa Sita played with sand as she waited for her husband. But it was during this time late King Dasharath’s hands appeared asking her for Pind daan as the mahurat for Shradh would be over soon, where she offered sand, as did not have anything else to offer. By accepting this King Dasharath got Moksha.

Mahabharata: Karna was always offered gold and riches, during shradh as he donated wealth to people. When asked to Lord Indra replied, that he always donated wealth but not food, for which Karna as ked forgiveness and then returned to earth for 15 days to perform Shradh and offer pind daan, i.e. food to his ancestors.

1. How: This ritual starts at Gaya named after the demon ‘Gayasur’, who sacrificed his life. As per his request, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma stood on his body, leaving their imprint of their foot, which freed his body from all the pain, obstacles and sins. Because of which pinds are offered during this ritual.