Trayodashi Shraddha
Also called: Teras Shraddha, Kakbali Shraddha, Balabholani Teras (Gujarat)
Dedicated to ancestors who died on Trayodashi. It is also specially reserved for departed young children and infants. When Trayodashi coincides with Magha Nakshatra, the day is especially praised: even a simple offering of water is said to satisfy the ancestors for a very long time.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Ashwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Deities
- Departed Young Children, Magha Nakshatra Deities
The story
Classical verses state that providing food to birds and cows on this day brings solace to souls who departed in early childhood.
Practices
- Offering milk, kheer, and sweets loved by children
- Performing extensive Kakbali (feeding crows)
- Midday Tarpan during Kutupa Muhurta
Regional variations
- Observed with deep familial compassion across all Indian regions
Common questions
- What is Magha Shraddha?
- Magha Shraddha is kept on the day Magha Nakshatra prevails during Pitru Paksha. It usually falls close to Trayodashi but is often a separate day; when the two coincide, the day is especially praised.
Types of Pitru Paksha
- Purnima ShraddhaPurnima tithi preceding the dark fortnight
- Pratipada ShraddhaKrishna Pratipada tithi
- Dwitiya ShraddhaKrishna Dwitiya tithi
- Tritiya ShraddhaKrishna Tritiya tithi
- Chaturthi ShraddhaKrishna Chaturthi tithi
- Bharani ShraddhaChaturthi or Panchami coinciding with Bharani Nakshatra
- Panchami ShraddhaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Shashthi ShraddhaKrishna Shashthi tithi
- Saptami ShraddhaKrishna Saptami tithi
- Ashtami ShraddhaKrishna Ashtami tithi
- Navami ShraddhaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Dashami ShraddhaKrishna Dashami tithi
- Ekadashi ShraddhaKrishna Ekadashi tithi
- Dwadashi ShraddhaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Trayodashi ShraddhaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Chaturdashi ShraddhaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
- Sarva Pitru AmavasyaAshwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)