The Shradh is a ritualistic custom unique to the Hindu religion observed after the Antyesthi or death ceremony. It is a ceremony to offer prayers of loving homage to the departed and to remember his/her memories. The ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas like Agni Puran, Garud Puran, Vayu Puran etc explain the significance of Shradh. This is performed on tenth, thirteenth, fifteenth, twentieth or thirtieth day after death. The day chosen entirely depends on the custom of that community. This ceremony is generally performed at home. The relatives and friends are invited to join the rituals and later they are served a meal. The son or heir of the deceased also performs the Shradh annually.

Hindus believe that after death the soul or `Atma` leaves the physical body or `Sthula sarira` with a vehicle called `Linga Sarira` or subtle body, sometimes referred as `Angushtha Matra`. This soul or Preta is consequently in a restless, uncomfortable plight and is considered as impure until and unless the first shradh is performed.

To satisfy the deceased soul, the Shradh ritual is done on certain day after death and it is performed again at the end of the month and end of the year. The heirs also perform `Tarpan`; thus they invite their ancestor soul to take part in the pilgrimage with them and share their bliss.

During the Shradh food and water is offered to the departed soul. This is known as `Pinda`. The priest utters sacred hymns. According to the rituals, the visitors who attend the Shradh must not wear bright colored clothing. There should be an absolute silence even when offering condolence. Although it is a sad occasion crying is not allowed as crying is considered as a disturbance. During offering condolence one can touch the hand of the members of the died person`s family if they are of same sex. If donations are given they must not be handed directly to the immediate member of the grieving family but can be handed through other relatives.

The Shradh is also done on annual basis in the death anniversary following Hindu calender. Mahalaya Shradh is done in a fortnight called `Pitri Paksha`. During this fortnight in the memory of the loved bygones their favorite food is eaten and the good time passed with them is remembered. The family members pray that their soul rest in eternal peace.