Significance
Pratipada Shraddha is the opening tithi of Pitru Paksha in Ashwin Krishna Paksha. In traditional Hindu customs, it is also celebrated as Nana-Nani Shraddha (dedicated specifically to maternal grandparents). If the exact death date of maternal grandparents is unknown, performing shraddha on Pratipada is considered supreme.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Morning Snana & Pratipada Sankalpa
Bathe early in the morning and take a vow facing South to honor maternal grandparents and all lineage ancestors on Pratipada.
Mantra: Om Pitru Devatabhyo Namah. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Nana-Nani Tarpan
Offer water with black sesame through the right thumb into a copper vessel, remembering maternal grandparents by their gotra and names.
Panchabali & Cow Feeding
Feed portions of food to cows, crows, and dogs before partaking in any meal.
Charity (Daan)
Donate grains, seasonal fruits, and white cloth to the needy in memory of maternal ancestors.
Fasting
Observe a simple sattvic diet. Do not consume grains until Tarpan and animal feeding are complete.
Family Guidance
Remind children of maternal family roots, sharing stories of the love, recipes, and values passed down by their maternal grandparents.