What is "sraddha"

Śrāddha or Shraaddha ( Sanskrit: श्राद्ध) is a Sanskrit word which literally means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith ( Śraddhā). In the Hindu religion, it is the ritual that one performs to pay homage to one’s ' ancestors' (Sanskrit: Pitṛs), especially to one’s dead parents. Conceptually, it is a way for people to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks towards their parents and ancestors, for having helped them to be what they are and praying for their peace. It also can be thought of as a "day of remembrance." It is performed for both the father and mother separately, on the days they became deceased. It is performed on the death anniversary or collectively during the Pitru Paksha or Shraaddha paksha (Fortnight of ancestors), right before Sharad Navaratri in autumn.

Śraddhā is a Sanskrit term loosely translated as "faith". It is important in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist literature and teachings. Among adherents of the spiritual traditions which use the term; without diacritical marks, it is usually written as Shraddha or Sraddha.

It can be associated with faith, trust, confidence, and loyalty. The teacher Ammachi describes it as the "constant alertness arising from Love", and when choosing a single word to translate it into English, has used "awareness". Other writers have also described the concept with emphasis on the intersection of faith and mindfulness, and it has been translated in this vein with words such as "diligence".

Sri Aurobindo describes Śraddhā as "the soul's belief in the Divine's existence, wisdom, power, love and grace."

Śraddhā (श्रद्धा, shraddhaa) is loosely translated as only "faith". Śraddhā is also a girl's name in India.