Shraddha, a sacred and significant ritual in Hindu tradition, is a way to pay homage and express gratitude to our ancestors and departed loved ones. It is believed that performing Shraddha on specific days enhances its sanctity and bestows blessings upon the departed souls.

While there are various guidelines, the most commonly observed days for conducting Shraddha ceremonies number around 96 each year. There are other auspicious occasions when one can undertake this sacred ritual.

The 96 Suggested Days for Shraddha

1. Amavasya Days (12): The new moon days are considered propitious for honouring ancestors. There are twelve Amavasya days in a year, and performing Shraddha on these days is believed to grant blessings to the departed souls.
2. Sankranti or Sankramana Days (24): These days mark the transition of the sun into the next zodiac sign. There are twelve Sankranti days, occurring twice each month, and performing Shraddha on these occasions is considered auspicious.
3. Pitru Paksha (15): Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya, is a 15-day period dedicated to honouring ancestors. It falls during the waning phase of the moon in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.
4. Vaidhriti Yoga Days (12): Vaidhriti Yoga is a specific planetary combination in Hindu astrology. Conducting Shraddha on these twelve days is believed to be beneficial for the departed souls.
5. Vyatipata Yoga Days (12): Similar to Vaidhriti Yoga, Vyatipata Yoga is another astrological combination. Performing Shraddha on these days is considered significant for the spiritual well-being of ancestors.
6. Manvadi Tithis (14): Manvadi Tithis are specific lunar days associated with different Manus (the cosmic progenitors). Observing Shraddha on these days holds special importance.
7. Purvedyu, Ashtaka, and Anvashtaka Days (15): These days are considered suitable for conducting Shraddha rituals to honour ancestors and ensure their well-being.
8. Yugadi Days (4): Yugadi marks the beginning of a new era in the Hindu calendar. Shraddha performed on these days, symbolising the transition of periods, is believed to bring blessings to the departed souls.

Other Auspicious Days for Shraddha

In addition to the 96 suggested days, several other occasions are considered favourable for performing Shraddha ceremonies:

1. Kalpadi Tithis (7): These special lunar days are associated with the start of the Kalpa, a cosmic time cycle. Conducting Shraddha on these days is believed to grant salvation to ancestors.
2. Bhishma Ashtami Day: This day commemorates the great warrior Bhishma from the Mahabharata. Observing Shraddha on Bhishma Ashtami is believed to ensure peace for the departed souls.
3. Varshika Shraddha Day: Varshika Shraddha is an annual ceremony performed on the death anniversary of a loved one. It holds immense emotional significance for the family.
4. Auspicious Days (e.g., Birth Anniversary of the Son): Important family occasions, such as a son’s birth anniversary, are often chosen to conduct Shraddha to honour the departed ancestors.
5. When One Has Enough Material for the Shraddha: Conducting Shraddha with ample offerings and resources is considered ideal to honour ancestors with respect and devotion.
6. Arrival of Any Suitable Brahmin: The presence of a knowledgeable and qualified Brahmin enhances the sanctity of the Shraddha ceremony.
7. Sampat Day: Sampat is a specific combination of celestial influences. Performing Shraddha on this day is believed to bring prosperity to the ancestors in their afterlife.
8. Gajachchhaya Yoga: Gajachchhaya Yoga is a unique astrological occurrence associated with shadows. It is considered auspicious for performing Shraddha rituals.
9. Surya Grahan and Chandan Grahan: Solar and lunar eclipses are considered powerful celestial events, and conducting Shraddha during these occurrences is believed to benefit the souls of ancestors.
10. A Strong Desire to Perform Shraddha: Above all, the heartfelt desire to honour and remember ancestors with devotion and gratitude makes any day suitable for performing Shraddha.

Conclusion

Shraddha is a sacred ritual that allows individuals to remember and express gratitude to their departed ancestors. While about 96 days in a year are suggested for conducting Shraddha ceremonies, other auspicious occasions and heartfelt intentions can also make any day suitable for this significant ritual.

Through these observances, the bonds between the living and the departed are strengthened, and blessings are sought for the spiritual well-being of ancestors in the afterlife.