What is Thivasam?

Thivasam (திவசம், also spelled Thithi or Divasam) is the annual death-anniversary ritual observed by Tamil Hindu families. The term comes from Tamil-Sanskrit divasa (day). In Tamil tradition, Thivasam refers specifically to the Varsha Shradha — the yearly ritual of remembrance and offerings performed for a departed ancestor on the same Tithi (lunar day) and lunar month each year as the original death. It is one of the core duties of Pitru Dharma (obligations to one's ancestors).

The most important aspect of Thivasam timing is that it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, not the Gregorian one. The ritual is observed on the specific Tithi of the death — for example, Karthigai month, Krishna Paksha Saptami (seventh day of the waning fortnight). Since Tithis shift approximately 11 days per year relative to Gregorian dates, the Gregorian calendar date of Thivasam changes every year. A Thivasam calculator or an almanac (Panchang) is needed to find the correct date for the current year.

The ritual itself typically involves several key elements: engaging a Brahmin Vadhyar (priest) to conduct Vedic rites including Tarpana (water libations with sesame seeds offered to the ancestral soul), preparing and offering sattvic food (cooked without onion or garlic), Pinda Pradana (offering rice balls representing nourishment for the departed soul), and feeding Brahmins or the poor as a meritorious act in the name of the deceased. Many families also visit a nearby river or tank to perform the water rites.

The difference between Thivasam and Maasikam (monthly Shradha) is important. Maasikam is performed every month on the same Tithi for the first year after the death, and sometimes annually thereafter. Thivasam is the annual form — observed once a year from the second year onwards. In some families, both are observed; in others, only the annual Thivasam is maintained. Both serve the purpose of ensuring the departed soul's peace and liberation (Moksha).

In Tamil and broader South Indian culture, Thivasam is a deeply observed obligation. Missing or delaying the annual Thivasam without reason is considered inauspicious and disrespectful to the ancestor's memory. When the death falls in an Adhika Masa (intercalary month), the Thivasam observance follows specific rules about which month to use in subsequent years — typically, the corresponding regular month is used from the following year. Consulting a knowledgeable Vadhyar or a Panchang for these edge cases is important.

How Thivasam Dates Shift Across Years

Because the lunar calendar drifts roughly 11 days per year relative to the Gregorian calendar, the same Tithi falls on a different date every year. The table below illustrates this using a sample Tithi — Karthigai month, Krishna Paksha Saptami — as an example. Your family's actual dates will differ based on the original death Tithi.

* Illustrative example only. Your family's Thivasam dates depend on the exact Tithi of the original death date. Use the calculator below for precise dates.

Find Your Family's Thivasam Dates

Enter the date of your ancestor's passing to instantly look up the Thivasam date across multiple years.