What are the monthly śrāddhas in the first year, and the barsī (first anniversary)?

small monthly offerings on the death tithi for the first year, ending with the first annual śrāddha, often called barsī.

Tradition holds that the first year is a time of transition for the departed, so the family remembers them every month. These are the māsika śrāddhas, done on the death tithi each month — traditionally twelve, with a few extra ones at set points in some traditions. Many families today keep them simple: a lamp, tarpaṇa, a food offering and feeding someone. Some priests let families combine them by doing them together on the 12th day or before the year ends.

The first anniversary, called barsī, varṣī or ābdika, is usually a fuller śrāddha with a priest, followed by a meal for relatives and dāna. After this, the departed is remembered in the annual śrāddha and in Pitṛ Pakṣa along with other ancestors.

Many families also lift the remaining mourning restrictions — on weddings and big celebrations — after the barsī. Practice varies; ask your priest.

Source: Garuḍa Purāṇa; Dharmasindhu

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