KATHMANDU: This year’s Sohra Shraddha, also known as Pitri Paksha, has begun from today.

As stated in the calendar approved by the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee, the Shraddha of the Pratipada should be performed today. The Pindadan (offerings) of the Pratipada should be completed by this afternoon, Member of Committee Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai told the RSS.

It is a 16-lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, especially through food offerings. The day begins from the full moon day of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar. Hindu people thong the temples to perform Shraddha, the annual death rituals, in Sohra Shraddha.

According to Hindu mythology, the souls of three preceding generations of one’s ancestor reside in Pitri–loka, a realm between heaven and earth.

The performance of Shraddha by a son during Priti Paksha is regarded as compulsory by Hindus, to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to heaven.

In the Kathmandu Valley, Hindu devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple and perform rites in the name of their ancestors.