Venerating and remembering ancestors have been a cornerstone of spiritual practice over millennia, generating a deep sense of belonging, connecting with our paternal and maternal lineages, providing continuity as we evolve, and binding us to a larger community.

Sixteen days each lunar year, in September, are dedicated to recognizing ancestors as Shroah Shraddha and on the sixteenth day as Mahalaya (all the ancestors from the lineages and teachers are also included). In this Ancestor Fortnight, the veils between the living and the dead are understood to be thinnest, and it represents the symbolic ‘sunset’ of the year (the fall equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere.

In the Sanatana tradition, the Dhami-Jhankri’s path, the ancestors continue to play an active role in the lives of the living. They exist in subtle realms, influencing the flow of energy and vitality in our lives. We actively engage with the energy flow and lifeforce across time, inviting the ancestors’ guidance and protection into our lives while simultaneously abating negative traits and habits they may have passed down, such as anger, fear, and self-doubts.

Our ancestors exist in a realm where the past, present, and future are interconnected and intertwined so that we can draw on the accumulated wisdom and power of infinity. In addition, ancestor veneration fosters a sense of humility and continuity. It reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, a lineage that stretches back into the distant past and the future. This awareness can be profoundly grounding, helping us navigate life’s uncertainties with greater equanimity. Focusing on our ancestors in the present helps to heal the past and clear the way for a more harmonious and robust future.

We will also focus on different rituals and ceremonies and ways for copping and handling the elders in these times by the new generations of today and future generations.