The Wall Street Journal reports that due to the COVID-19 pandemic that Hindu priests have begun performing the Sohra Sraddha rites via Zoom and other online communication apps. In case you don’t know what I’m yammering about here’s Spotlight Nepal’s description of the basic ritual season:
“…According to Hindu mythology, Sraddha rites are performed and tarpan offered to deceased family members across three generations, both patriarchal and matriarchal…
“Sons offer pinda (ball of rice), fruits and flowers to their three generations. As the name suggests, Sorha Sraddha is observed for 16 days in memory of the deceased ancestors. Shraddha is performed on premises of temples, riverbanks and houses with the help of priests. Hindus usually eat vegetarian food during the period…
“According to the Hindu religion, parents are the living God, so they should be respected before and after death. Shraddha should be done two times a year, once on the lunar day of the parent’s death and once on Sorha Shraddha.”
Read their whole description: https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2019/09/14/sorha-sraddha-or-pitru-pakchhya-begins/.
Here’s the WSJ’s report on this ritual activity moving online: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tradition-clashes-with-zoom-over-how-to-properly-honor-your-ancestors-11600188158 (look out for the paywall!)
Here’s what the rite can look like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UwGQzc2enc.
