What is included
- Sankalpa by a priest with your ancestors' names and gotra
- Green fodder, jaggery, agathi keerai and a portion of rice
- Feeding by hand at a goshala in India
- Photographs and video of the offering, or join live
When families offer it
- The tithi (death anniversary) of a parent or grandparent
- Every Amavasya, and especially Mahalaya Amavasya
- Each day of Pitru Paksha
- Birthdays of loved ones who have passed
Why Gau Seva is offered for the ancestors
Feeding a cow is counted among the most meritorious acts in Hindu tradition. When it is done with a sankalpa in someone's name, the merit is dedicated to them. That is why so many families choose Gau Seva on a mother's or father's tithi — often in memory of a parent who fed the cow at the gate every morning themselves.
The cows cared for in goshalas are often old animals who no longer give milk. Every offering helps keep them fed. Read more in our guide: Gau Seva — meaning, and what to feed and avoid.
How it works
- Tell us their names — the departed, your gotra if known, and the day to observe.
- A priest takes the sankalpa at dawn in India and the offering is made.
- Join live or receive the recording — photographs and video, the same day.
Other offerings
Crow Feed — Kaka Bali (Komatha Seva)Matsya Daan (Fish Feeding)Pitru Paksha ShradhAnnual Shraddha (Death Anniversary)Amavasya Offerings