How can I do a simple śrāddha or tarpaṇa at home?

offer water with black sesame facing south, remember your ancestors by name, and feed someone with love.

After a bath, sit facing south with a plate or vessel of clean water, a few black sesame seeds (til) and, if you have it, some kuśa grass. Take water in your cupped right hand and let it flow out over the side of the thumb — this is called the pitṛ-tīrtha. With each offering, say the ancestor's name and relation, for example “To my father, (name), I offer this water with sesame; may he be satisfied.” Usually three handfuls are offered for each person.

Then cook simple sāttvika food — kheer, dal, rice, a vegetable — without onion and garlic. Set aside small portions for a cow, a crow and a dog, and feed a priest, an elder or someone in need, with a gift (dakṣiṇā) if you can.

If you cannot do even this, the texts say that sincere remembrance and charity in their name are accepted. A priest can perform a fuller śrāddha with piṇḍas if your family wishes.

Source: Gṛhya Sūtras; Garuḍa Purāṇa · Face south; use black sesame

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