16 Sarad of Nepal

16 Sarad holds deep cultural and emotional importance in Nepal, especially within Hindu communities. It’s a day dedicated to honouring deceased family members, especially fathers, through a series of rituals and offerings. This day is steeped in tradition, and for many Nepalese, it serves as a time to connect with their heritage, respect their ancestors, and ensure the continued blessings of their departed loved ones.

What is 16 Sarad?

16 Sarad, marked by the lunar calendar, begins when the sun enters the Virgo constellation and the moon transitions into the waning phase, known as Krishna Paksha, during the Bhadra month. This sacred period lasts for 16 days, culminating in the day of Sarad when the waning moon aligns with the position of the planet Ketu, which is believed to influence liberation and spiritual growth. The planetary influence adds a layer of cosmic importance to the observance, making it a day dedicated to honouring deceased family members, especially fathers, through a series of rituals and offerings. This day is steeped in tradition, and for many Nepalese, it serves as a time to connect with their heritage, respect their ancestors, and ensure the continued blessings of their departed loved ones.

In Nepal, 16 Sarad is part of the broader context of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period where Hindus perform rituals known as “Shraddha” to pay homage to their ancestors. The “Sarad” part of the term comes from this Shraddha ritual. 16 Sarad specifically refers to the 16th day of this observance, considered the most significant of all, where the final rites are performed to ensure peace and salvation (moksha) for the souls of the deceased.

The belief behind 16 Sarad is that it is the day when ancestors, or “pitris,” descend from the heavens to the Earth to bless their descendants. In return, the living must perform these rites, which are believed to help their forefathers in their afterlife journey. In Nepal, this day sees many families coming together to perform these sacred acts of remembrance and reverence.

The Rituals of 16 Sarad

The rituals performed on 16 Sarad are deeply spiritual and filled with symbolic meaning. They are a way for the living to show their gratitude, affection, and duty towards their deceased family members. The essence of the ceremony lies in ensuring that the departed souls are at peace.

1. Tarpan:

Tarpan involves offering water, milk, and sesame seeds to ancestors. This is usually done on the banks of rivers or sacred ponds. The flowing water symbolises the transit between the world of the living and the spiritual realm. People believe that these offerings, once immersed in water, reach their ancestors, helping to cleanse and purify their souls.

2. Pind Daan:

The most crucial part of 16 Sarad is the offering of “pindas” or balls of rice, barley, and other ingredients. Pind Daan is considered an essential aspect of the Shraddha rituals because it symbolizes nourishing the souls of ancestors. These offerings are made at sacred locations like Gokarneshwor in Kathmandu or the banks of the Bagmati River. Devotees believe that performing Pind Daan here ensures salvation for the deceased.

3. Feeding Brahmins:

On 16 Sarad, it is customary to feed Brahmins (priests), which is an act of generosity and virtue. Offering food to Brahmins is believed to directly benefit the souls of the departed. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, especially those favoured by their ancestors, to feed the Brahmins, reflecting the deep sense of respect for cultural traditions.

4. Offering Food to Crows:

Another unique part of the day is feeding crows, which are considered messengers of Yama, the god of death. The belief is that by feeding the crows, the living can ensure that their ancestors receive their offerings and blessings.

5. Visiting Gokarna:

A significant pilgrimage site for those observing 16 Sarad is Gokarneshwor, located near Kathmandu. On this day, thousands of people gather at this temple to perform the Shraddha rites. Gokarneshwor is particularly associated with offering prayers for fathers who have passed away, and it is believed that paying homage here can help in securing peace for their souls.

Cultural and Emotional Significance

16 Sarad is not just a ritualistic observance; it’s a day filled with emotion, memory, and a sense of duty. For many in Nepal, it is a day to reconnect with the past and reflect on family values, tradition, and respect. The rituals performed are acts of devotion, and while they are deeply tied to religious belief, they also offer psychological comfort, helping people find peace in their grief.

The emotional aspect of this day is especially important. In many homes, the day begins with preparations for the rituals, with families discussing fond memories of the deceased. The presence of family members from different generations further strengthens familial bonds, as they come together to remember and honour the lives of their ancestors. It’s a time to teach younger generations about their family’s heritage, keeping traditions alive and fostering a sense of identity.

In rural parts of Nepal, the day takes on an even more communal aspect, with entire villages partaking in the rites together. The shared rituals help foster a sense of unity, as people support one another in remembering their loved ones. For many, 16 Sarad is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with one’s ancestors.

Modern-Day Observances

While 16 Sarad is rooted in ancient traditions, the way people observe it has evolved over time. In modern Nepal, families may perform the rituals at home or visit temples to conduct the rites. With the migration of families across the country and abroad, some people even observe 16 Sarad virtually, ensuring that the customs are maintained even from afar. However, no matter where it is observed, the day remains a vital part of Nepalese Hindu life, connecting generations through the shared experience of grief, respect, and love for those who came before.

Interestingly, the role of women in these ceremonies has also been evolving. Traditionally, the rituals were performed by male members of the family, especially the eldest son. But in recent years, women have increasingly taken part in the rituals, signifying a shift in societal norms while keeping the essence of the tradition intact.

Symbolism and Spiritual Beliefs

The rituals of 16 Sarad are steeped in symbolism. Offering food to Brahmins and crows, performing Pind Daan, and making water offerings are not just acts of reverence but are also deeply symbolic of the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. These acts represent the continuous cycle of life and death, with the hope that the living can aid the journey of the deceased into the afterlife.

Many believe that failing to observe 16 Sarad can bring misfortune, as it may anger the departed souls. On the contrary, properly performing the rituals brings blessings, prosperity, and peace to the family. This belief further reinforces the importance of this day in Nepalese society.

Conclusion

16 Sarad in Nepal is much more than a day of remembrance. It’s a time-honoured tradition that binds families, cultures, and generations together. The rituals performed are a way of showing love, gratitude, and respect for those who have passed on, ensuring their souls find peace and happiness in the afterlife. For the living, it is a day filled with emotion, reflection, and a sense of duty, reminding them of the enduring ties between the past, present, and future.