Sixteen-day Shraddha ends, markets bustle as preparations begin for Ghatasthapana

The sixteen-day Shraddha period is concluding today, Aunsi, with offerings of tarpan, sidadaan and pindadaan made in the name of ancestors, while Ghatasthapana and the start of Dashain fall tomorrow, Sunday, Asoj 25.

Since the 15 lunar days of the ancestor fortnight gain an extra day with Shukla Pratipada, it totals sixteen days, hence the name 'Sora Shraddha.' It is customary to perform any Shraddha missed on other dates on this Aunsi day itself.

Those unable to perform Shraddha today can still do so until Ashwin Shukla Panchami, said former chairman of the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Vikas Samiti, Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam. On the day the sixteen-day Shraddha concludes, crowds typically gather at pilgrimage sites and riverbanks to offer tarpan.

Meanwhile, in Kathmandu's Basantapur Durbar area, there has been a rush to buy clay pots, maize and barley for sowing jamara. The jamara sprouted from barley and maize scattered during Ghatasthapana is received from elders on Tika day.

At Dhankuta's haat bazaars, crowds have gathered to buy goats. There, goat meat is selling for about 900 to 1,100 rupees per kilogram.