Sorha Shraddha (सोह्र श्राद्ध)

Sorha Shraddha—also called Pitru Paksha—is a sixteen-day fortnight to honor ancestors with tarpan (water libations) and shraddha (offerings). Families perform rites on the specific lunar tithi of their departed and share satvik meals.

Scriptures state that offerings made with faith—rice balls (pinda), black sesame and water—reach forebears in the ancestral realm, removing pitra-rin (ancestral debt) and blessing descendants with peace and prosperity.

1. Purnima Shraddha (7 Sep 2025): Opening observance for those who passed on Purnima.
2. Daily Tithis (8–20 Sep): Morning bath, kusha ring, tarpan, pinda offerings and dakshina to Brahmins during Kutup–Aparahna window.
3. Sarvapitri Amavasya (21 Sep): Universal day to honor all ancestors; community rites at river ghats.

• Large gatherings at Bagmati Aryaghat, Guhyeshwari and Bishnumati banks
• Charity and food donations in memory of forebears
• Markets selling kusha, sesame, lota, bamboo plates and satvik groceries

Main hubs (Kathmandu): Pashupatinath Aryaghat, Guhyeshwari, Bishnumati Kankeshwari; many also visit Gokarna.
Festival window 2025: 7–21 Sep 2025.