Half Yearly Shraddha, also known as Aardra Shradha or Abhijit Shradha, is a Hindu ritual performed to pay homage to departed ancestors or forefathers twice a year. It is performed during the months of Aashaadh (June-July) and Paush (December-January).
During the Half Yearly Shraddha, the family members offer food and water to the departed souls while chanting Vedic mantras and performing specific rituals. The food offered during the ceremony is usually vegetarian and prepared with special care and attention to detail. The ritual is performed by the male descendants of the deceased person, such as sons, grandsons, or great-grandsons, as per the Hindu scriptures.
The Half Yearly Shraddha is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the family and help the departed souls attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is an important ritual in Hindu tradition and is considered a way to express gratitude and respect towards one's ancestors.
It is important to note that the Half Yearly Shraddha is a complex and elaborate ceremony that requires a deep understanding of Hindu scriptures and traditions. It is typically performed under the guidance of a priest or a qualified person who has experience in performing such rituals. The ritual should be performed with devotion, sincerity, and respect to ensure the well-being and peace of all the departed souls.