Priest shortage hits Pitri Paksha rituals
Summary
A shortage of priests is disrupting Sorha Shraddha rituals during Pitri Paksha, forcing many families to adjust their ceremonies to priests’ availability. The decline in Sanskrit education, gurukul training and interest among young people is raising concerns about the future of traditional religious practices.
Key Points
- Families across the country are observing Sorha Shraddha during Pitri Paksha, but many are struggling to find priests for the rituals.
- Priests in Jhapa and Damak say demand peaks during this period, forcing them to conduct multiple ceremonies in a single day.
- Priest numbers are falling as younger people show less interest in Sanskrit education, religious rituals and priesthood.
- Educationist and social worker Nabin Yogi says gurukul education should be made more systematic and priesthood should be developed as a respectable profession.
