Sohra Shraddha Begins Today

Kathmandu: This year’s Sohra Shraddha, also known as Pitri Paksha, began today. According to the calendar approved by the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee, the Shraddha of Pratipada should be performed today, with the Pindadan (offerings) of Pratipada to be completed by this afternoon, Committee Member Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai told RSS.

Sohra Shraddha is a 16-lunar-day period during which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, particularly through food offerings. The period begins from the full moon day of Bhadra, as per the lunar calendar. During this time, devotees throng temples to perform Shraddha, the annual death rituals dedicated to departed family members.

According to Hindu mythology, the souls of three preceding generations of ancestors reside in Pitri-loka, a realm between heaven and earth. The performance of Shraddha by a son during Pitri Paksha is considered a sacred duty, believed to ensure that the souls of ancestors attain heaven. In the Kathmandu Valley, Hindu devotees especially visit the Pashupatinath Temple to perform the rites in memory of their forebears.

(RSS)