When to do Pind Daan after death?
Pind Daan is an essential post-death ritual performed to ensure the safe passage of the soul from the earthly plane to Pitra Lok, aiding their journey to the afterlife. However, it depends on family traditions and customs as to when Pind Daan is carried out after death. The following is a standard list that is mainly observed:
1st, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th Day: Pind Daan is offered on the first day at the cremation ground and during the journey there. It is also performed as one Pind every day, or ten Pind directly on the tenth day, eleven Pind on the eleventh day, twelve Pind on the twelfth day, or seventeen Pind on the seventeenth day.
On the first Ceremony Day: Pind Daan is also offered on the first ceremony, either after completing 11.5 months or 12 months.
During Pitra Paksha: Pind Daan is also offered during the auspicious fifteen days of Pitra Paksha (Mahalaya).
On Amavasya, Astami, and Panchami Tithis: Pind Daan can also be performed on these dates as per the Hindu calendar to pay homage to loved ones.
At Tirth-Kshetra: Pind Daan can also be performed at sacred Tirth Kshetras such as Haridwar, Gaya, Varanasi, Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar, Gokarna, or Rameshwaram.
With Asthi Visarjan: Pind Daan can also be performed, adding more energy to the soul in the journey to the afterlife.
Any Day: Pind Daan can be performed on any day with sincere devotion and intent for the ancestors.