Shannavathi Shraddha

Shannavati Shradh Days, Days of Shannavati Shradda, 96 Shraddh days

Shannavathi means ninety six. According to Hindu scriptures we can perform ancestor rites on 96 specific days in a year.  These 96 days are called as Shannavati and performing rituals in these days  is called as Shannavati Shradha.

Performing sacred rituals to ancestors, is one of the traditions of Hindu philosophy since Vedic days. Rituals performed to ancestors are Shraddha, Paksha Shraaddha, Tharpana and Theertha or Kshethra Shraddha.

These 96 specific Shradh days are as follows:

14 Manvaadi Days
12 Amavasya Days
12 Vaidhruthi Days
12 Vyatheepatha Days
4 yugaadi Days
15 Mahalaya Paksha
12 Sankranthi Days
15 Ashtaka Days

If any of these days falls on Ekadasi day, tharpana should not be performed.

On all the Shannavati days, Thila Tharpana (with black sesame seeds) should be offered to ancestors.  Apart from Shannavati we should perform this on Surya Grahan day, Chandra Grahan Day and on the days of Parva Kala days (Ardhodhaya and Mahodaya).