Parvan (Mahalaya) Shraddha Puja

Remembering Pitri during Sohra Shraddha

Introduction to Parvan (Mahalaya) Shraddha Puja

Parwan, also called Mahalaya Shraddha, is a Hindu ritual performed during Ashwin Krishna Paksha to remember and worship departed ancestors, including forefathers up to two generations. It involves offering pindas (rice balls), water, sesame seeds, and prayers to ensure their peace, seek forgiveness for any shortcomings, and invite their blessings for the family.

Importance and Significance of Parvan (Mahalaya) Shraddha Puja

To honor ancestors up to two generations – Shows gratitude and reverence for their guidance and sacrifices.

To ensure peace and liberation for departed souls – Ritual offerings help the ancestors attain moksha (liberation) and peace.

To remove ancestral doshas or negative karma – Helps reduce obstacles and challenges caused by unsettled ancestral energies.

To invite blessings for the family – Ancestors’ blessings bring health, prosperity, and harmony to the living.

To preserve family traditions and lineage – Strengthens cultural and spiritual heritage by observing sacred rites.

To fulfill filial and spiritual duties – Upholds the sacred responsibility of children and descendants toward their ancestors.

To create an auspicious and positive environment – Rituals generate spiritual purity, peace, and positive energy in the household.

List of Puja Materials

Below is a comprehensive list of commonly used materials for Parvan (Mahalaya) Shraddha Puja. Items may vary slightly based on regional traditions and priestly guidance.

A. Things from Nepali Puja Material Shop or Nepali Grocery Store :

पञ्चगव्य (Panchagavya), केशरी (Yellow Pigment Powder), कांचो धागो (Raw Thread), श्रीखण्ड (White Pigment Powder), सेतो कपडा (Red and White Cloth), पहेंलो कपडा, पीताम्बर (Yellow Cloth), जौ (Dried Barley), कालो तिल (Black Sesame Seed), गोकुल धुप (Incense), ५ वा ७ सुते कातेको बत्ती (Cotton Wick), सरसिउं (Yellow Mustard), कुश (Dried Holy Grass), जजन्का (Coloured Thread), जनै (Holy Thread – 5 Pieces), सुपारी (Dried Betel Nut – 5 Pieces), ल्वाङ, सुकमेल (Cloves, Cardamom), कपुर (Camphor – 1 Packet), तुलसीपत्र (Dried Holy Basil Leaves), पंहेलो रामनामी वस्त्र (Yellow Shawl) *Please look for the Puja Packet in a nearby Nepali Puja Shop. The Puja Set should contain the above items.
B. Things from the Shopping Centre (eg: Woolworths, Nepali/Indian Grocery) :

दुध् (Milk), दही (Yoghurt), घिउ (Ghee), चिनी वा सख्खर (Sugar or Jaggery), मह (Honey), तोरिको वा तिलको तेल (Mustard/Sesame Oil), चामल (Rice Grains – 3 Kg), फलफुल (Fruits), मिट्ठाइ (Sweets), सलाई (Match Box), टपरी वा प्लेट (Paper Plates), दुना वा ब्बल (Paper Bowls), चम्चा (Wooden Spoons), जिपलक (Sandwich Bag), पिण्डको लागी जौको पिठो वा पायस (Barley), पानीवाला नरिवल (Watery Coconut), आल्मोनियम ट्रे (Medium Aluminium Tray)
C. Things from the Garden :

सेतो वा पंहेलो फूल (White or Yellow Flowers), दुबो (Holy Grass), तितेपातिको पत्ता (Mugwort Herb), पानको पत्ता (Betel Leaves – Min 5), तुलसी पत्ता (Tulasi Leaves) *If Mugwort Herb or Holy Grass are not available, please source white or yellow flowers.
D. Things at Home (Could also be bought from the Nepali Grocery Store) :

दियो (Diyo – 1 Pc), आरती गर्ने दियो (Diyo for Aarati – 1 Pc), कलश (Kalash – 1 Pc), पन्चपात्र (Panchapatra – 1 Pc), आचमनी (Aachamani – 1 Pc), पुजा थाली (Puja Thali – 1 Pc), अगरबत्ती राख्ने भांडो (Agarbatti Stand – 1), कर्मपात्र (Copper Bowl – 1 Pc), अर्घपात्र (Surya Arghapatra – 1 Pc), पिण्ड पकाउने भांडो (Copper/Brass Pot – 1), पिण्ड चलाउने पन्यु (Copper Spatula – 1), खुजुरा पैसा (Coins and Notes – $1, $5 etc), पिण्ड राख्न शुद्ध माटो वा बालुवा (Sand/Earth), ५ भाग सिदा (Sida Daan), टिस्यु / पेपर टावेल (Tissue/Paper Towel – 2), पित्रीको फोटो (Photo of Pitri), आसन वा चकटी (Mats for Sitting – 2) *Items for Sida Daan: Rice grains, vegetables, spices (salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin etc), oil, ghee, honey, fruits, ginger, lentil, money etc.

Download Puja Materials

Click the button below to download the complete list of Parvan (Mahalaya) Shraddha Puja materials. Download