Quick Reference Card
| Date | September 27, 2026 (Ashwin 10, BS 2083) |
| Duration | Extends 16 days throughout Pitru Paksha |
| Observance | Ancestral ritual (beginning) |
| Celebrated in | Throughout Hindu regions |
| Observing Communities | All Hindu families |
| Type of Event | Religious/Ancestral/Spiritual |
| Purpose of Event | To initiate the 16-day Pitru Paksha period, honor ancestors who departed on Pratipada tithi, and invoke ancestral blessings for the family. |
| Holiday Status | Religious observance period |
| First Observed in | Vedic period (ancient tradition) |
Quick Fact: Sohra Sraddha Praarambha marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha (also called Mahalaya Paksha), the sacred 16-day ancestral remembrance period observed in Hindu tradition. On this first day, Pratipada Shraddha is performed for ancestors who departed on Pratipada tithi, the first lunar day after the full moon.
Sohra Sraddha Praarambha, meaning "the beginning of the sixteen-day Shraddha," marks the commencement of Pitru Paksha — the sacred 16-day period of ancestral remembrance in Hindu tradition. The first day, known as Pratipada Shraddha, is dedicated to ancestors who departed on Pratipada tithi (the first lunar day after the full moon), setting the tone for a fortnight of profound filial duty, spiritual offering, and ancestral honor.
History and Background
Sohra Sraddha Praarambha marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha (also called Mahalaya Paksha), the 16-day ancestral remembrance period observed in Hindu tradition. Pratipada Shraddha, performed on the first day of this fortnight, honors ancestors who departed on Pratipada tithi (the first lunar day after the full moon). Rooted in ancient Vedic philosophy and documented in sacred texts like the Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Puranas, this observance reflects the Hindu understanding that the Pitriloka (ancestral realm) expects offerings during this specific period. The tradition dates back millennia, with references in the Karna legend from Hindu mythology.
Purpose of Sohra Sraddha Praarambha
This observance is conducted to:
Initiate the Pitru Paksha ancestral remembrance period formally.
Honor ancestors who departed on Pratipada tithi.
Begin the comprehensive ancestral ritual cycle spanning 16 days.
Invoke ancestral blessings and protection for the family.
How is Sohra Sraddha Praarambha Observed?
The first day of Pitru Paksha is observed through:
Ritual bathing and purification ceremonies in early morning.
Preparation of elaborate food offerings for the ancestors.
Feeding of Brahmins as representatives of the ancestral spirits.
Tarpan and pinda daan (water and rice ball offerings) with specific mantras.
Collective family prayers and shared remembrance of the departed.
Importance of Sohra Sraddha Praarambha
This first day of Pitru Paksha is particularly significant:
It marks the formal commencement of the sacred 16-day ancestral period.
It ensures all ancestral deaths will receive proper ritual attention during the fortnight.
It is believed to secure family prosperity and divine protection.
It fulfills a profound Hindu duty toward three preceding generations.
It maintains the spiritual health and continuity of the family lineage.
Conclusion
Sohra Sraddha Praarambha is a deeply meaningful beginning to Pitru Paksha, opening the sacred fortnight of ancestral remembrance with devotion and ritual precision. By performing Pratipada Shraddha on this first day, Hindu families across Nepal and the world reaffirm their commitment to honoring their ancestors and upholding the Vedic tradition of gratitude, duty, and spiritual love for those who came before them.