Pindas

Pindas are spherical ritual offerings used in Hindu rites to honor deceased ancestors. They play a central role in pinda-dan, a component of Shraddha and Pitru Paksha ceremonies, where the souls of the pitrs are believed to be nourished and remembered through symbolic offerings. The term pinda comes from Sanskrit and means a lump or ball; pindas, the plural form, refer to these ritual lumps.

Pindas are typically prepared from ground rice flour and may incorporate other local ingredients such as sesame seeds. The exact recipe and size vary by region and community, but the common idea is to form small dough balls that symbolize the bodies or essence of the ancestors.

In the ceremonial context, pindas are offered as part of the rites conducted for forebears. They are often placed on a plate or offered to Brahmin priests who recite mantras, while accompanying elements such as tarpaṇa (water offerings) are performed to evoke and honor the ancestral presence. The ritual aims to maintain continuity of lineage, express gratitude, and seek well-being for both the living and the departed.

Variations exist across Hindu communities, and not all traditions employ pindas in the same way. Some regional practices emphasize different forms of offerings or substitute local customs while preserving the underlying purpose of reverence for ancestors. In modern contexts, pindas may be used in traditional ceremonies, adapted in household rituals, or observed in temples depending on local custom.