SARADHS ARE FORBIDDEN IN SIKH RELIGION

Hindu Practice of Saradhs
Saradhs (also called Sharadhs) are forbidden in Sikh religion. In Hindu tradition, however, Saradhs are observed in memory of deceased ancestors every year in the month of Asu (the seventh desi month, corresponding to September).

In this month, during the first half of the lunar cycle (the darkness pakh), which starts with the full moon day and ends on the no-moon day, Hindus perform Saradhs for their ancestors (pitters). A mid-day meal is served to a purohit (pandit), with the belief that this food reaches the deceased parents and grandparents who are said to reside in pittar puri (the place of ancestors). Along with food, the purohit may also be given clothes and money.

According to Manu Smriti and Vishnu Smriti, the type of food offered determines how long the ancestors remain “satiated”:

• Sesame, rice, barley, beans, vegetables → 1 month

• Fish/meat → 2 months

• Antelope meat → 3 months

• Sheep meat → 4 months

• Birds’ meat → 5 months

• Goat meat → 6 months

• Tiger meat → 7 months

• Gazelle meat → 8 months

• Red deer meat → 9 months

• Buffalo/pig meat → 10 months

• Tortoise/hare meat → 11 months

The Saradh for a deceased person is usually held on the same tith (lunar day) of their death. Ancient Hindu texts like Attrey Sanhita state that during these fifteen days, pittar puri becomes vacant and the ancestors come to earth to partake of the food. If they are not fed, they curse their descendants. This tradition has existed since ancient times, with rules mentioned in Manu and Vishnu Smriti.

Sikh Perspective
In Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Saradhs are clearly forbidden. The Sikh belief is:

• After death, saintly souls merge with God (achieving mukti).

• Other souls immediately enter the cycle of 8.4 million species, depending on their deeds.

• Thus, there is no concept of a soul residing in pittar puri.

Bhagat Kabir Ji (SGGS, Ang 332) states:

Jīvaṯ piṯar na mānai ko▫ū mū▫eʼn sirāḏẖ karāhī.
Piṯar bẖī bapure kaho ki▫o pāvahi ka▫ū▫ā kūkar kẖāhī.

Meaning: A person does not honor their ancestors while alive, but holds Saradhs after their death. Kabir Ji questions how the ancestors can benefit from what is eaten by crows and dogs.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, during his travels, openly opposed Saradh rituals:

• At Haridwar (U.P.), he saw pandits splashing water eastward, believing it reached their ancestors. Guru Ji splashed water westward towards Punjab, saying that if his water could not reach fields 500 km away, how could theirs reach the sun or ancestors millions of km away?

• At Gaya (Bihar), when pandits asked him to redeem his ancestors, Guru Ji replied that through his own deeds he had already redeemed himself, his ancestors, and his followers.

In Sikh belief, a soul’s destiny in the next life depends only on what he/she has personally earned and donated during life, not what others give in their name after death.

Conclusion
Sikhism strictly prohibits Saradhs. Instead, Sikhs are encouraged to serve and respect their parents and grandparents while they are alive, live a righteous life, and meditate on God.

During Saradh days, Hindus traditionally avoid buying clothes, jewelry, or property, and refrain from starting new ventures.

Dr. Amrit Kaur
Retd. Professor,
Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India