Pind Daan & Shraddh in Kashi
Pind Daan and Shraddh in Kashi are the sacred rites performed to honour departed ancestors (pitru) and bring them peace and liberation. Kashi — and above all Pishach Mochan — is held to be the foremost place on earth for these rites.
Those who leave the body in Kashi are believed to attain moksha; for the same reason, tarpan and shraddh offered here are held to reach the ancestors most directly. Pishach Mochan Kund is uniquely linked with Tripindi Shraddh, which frees ancestors from a restless preta state.
Why Pind Daan & Shraddh? — the meaning →Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya)
Around late September to mid-October each year (Ashwin Krishna Paksha)
These sixteen days are the most auspicious, but shraddh in Kashi may be performed year-round. Confirm the exact dates on this year panchang.
How it is performed
- 1
Sankalp
State your intent to the Pandit Ji — the name, gotra and your relationship to the ancestor.
- 2
Tarpan
Offer water with sesame and barley to the ancestors at the Ganga.
- 3
Pind Daan
Offer the pinda for the departed with the prescribed mantras.
- 4
Tripindi at Pishach Mochan
The special Tripindi Shraddh frees ancestors from an unsettled state.
- 5
Daan and Bhoj
Conclude with daan and feeding Brahmins or the needy.
Where in Kashi
- 📍 Pishach Mochan Kund
The foremost site for Tripindi Shraddh.
- 📍 Manikarnika Ghat
The great cremation ghat; pind daan beside the Ganga.
- 📍 Ganga Ghats
Tarpan at any main ghat such as Dashashwamedh or Assi.
What to bring
- The ancestor details: full name, gotra and your relationship.
- Nothing elaborate — the Pandit Ji arranges the puja samagri (sesame, barley, kusha, pinda).
- Simple, clean clothes; men often wear an unstitched dhoti.
- A valid ID and cash for dakshina.
Fair price
₹2,100 – ₹11,000
Indicative range for Tripindi or Pind Daan in Kashi — it varies with the vidhi and sankalp. Agree the dakshina with the Pandit Ji before you begin; this band guards you against overcharging.
Information is indicative and for guidance. Confirm rituals, dates and dakshina with your Pandit Ji.