Shortage of priests for performing Sorha Shradha rituals
Summary
Eastern Morang is facing a shortage of priests for sorha shraddha rituals as elderly priests die or retire and fewer young people enter Sanskrit and gurukul education. Religious experts warn the problem will worsen unless training in ritual practice is better organized.
Key Points
- Demand for priests to perform shraddha rituals is rising in eastern Morang, but the number of qualified priests is falling.
- A single priest is sometimes forced to visit multiple households in one day, especially during the shraddha period.
- Experts say declining interest in Sanskrit education and weak gurukul management are worsening the shortage.
- Priests report similar shortages during festivals such as Teej, Panchami Puja and Swasthani Puja.
