s. m, Corrupted from the Sanskrit word Sharádha. A funeral rite in honour of the departed, observed at stated periods and on festive occasions as well as more sorrowful ones. The ceremonies are of three kinds:—(1). Nityá, or constant, on behalf of the manes of departed ancestors collectively, three balls of meal or rice, and water are offered to the paternal and three to the maternal, progenitors; (2) Naimittká, special as on behalf of a relative recently deceased. The object is two fold first to ensure the transmigration of the soul after the burning of the corpse, and secondly to raise the departed from the regions of air where he wanders in company with demons and evil spirits to a special heaven, where he is deified amongst the departed. The offering of the funeral ball (pinna) devolves on the nearest kinsman and constitutes him heir; (3) Kámyá, these are voluntary and are by way of being a work of supererogation to ensure greater benefit to the departed. Some Sarádh ceremonies have a reference to the living rather than the dead and are performed either for increase of prosperity or as a thank-offering, as on the birth of a son, when Brahmins and living relations are feasted and have presents made to them. Another important Sarádh is the Daivá in honour of the deities collectively. The first form of Sarádh should be performed on the dark fortnight of the waning moon, as well as at other seasons, the second on the day after cessation of the mourning and at intervals during twelve successive months, and thereafter on the anniversary of the death. The ceremonies are largely observed in the Hindu month of Assú, before sacrificial fires, or by streams at certain sacred spots. Brahmins are fed and have presents made to them, and the food and gifts are supposed to reach the departed:—sarádh karná or khuláuṉá, v. a. To perform the Sarádk rites; i. q. Sharádh.