Shraadha (Sanskrit: श्राद्ध) is a ritual that is performed to honor our ancestors, seek their blessings and thank them for all the gifts they shower up on us. The person (usually the eldest son) or family performing shraadha invites priests or brahmins to their house. For that day, the priests represent ancestors. A yagya (fire ceremony) is performed and the priests are served tasty food and are given dakshina (donation) and gifts.

Shraadha period starts on the Full Moon day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. This year it started on September 8 (Monday) and will culminate on the New Moon (Amavasya) day on September 23.