What is Shraaddh -
A kind of memorial ceremony to remember dead ancestors. It goes up to three generations on both father's and mother's side. Instead of each person performing this ceremony, the society has prescribed 16 days to pay homage on their death ceremony in those days every year. These days occur in the month of Aashwin. They are 16 days - one for each day of the fortnight, that is why this fortnight starts from Bhaadrapad Poornimaa (Full Moon day) and ends on Aashwin Amaavasyaa.

Types of Shraaddh -
In Padm Puraan, 1/28, Vishnu Himself says - "Whatever Shraaddh is done daily is called "Nitya Shraaddh". When it is done in Krishn Paksh, it is called "Kaamya Shraaddh". Then one should do Shraaddh in Pitra Paksh also for Pitar. One should not mind whether Soorya is in Kanyaa (Virgo) sign or not. When Soorya is in Kanyaa sign, from that day to 16 days are very important like Yagya. One must do Kaamya Shraaddh in those days. If one cannot Shraaddh in those days then one may do when Soorya is in Tulaa (Libra) sign and Krishn Paksh is going on."

Matsya Puraan also says - "Nityam Naimittakam Kaamyam Trividh Shraadh Mukhyatey" - means primarily there are three types of Shraaddh - Nitya (daily), Naimittik (eriodically) and Kaamya (with purpose).

When is it Done?
Shraaddh is done after a man or woman dies. It is a religious ceremony to appease the soul of one's family members after they die. There are a total of 16 Shraaddh. First one should do Daah Sanskaar. Then third day, he should go for collecting the bone remnants. On 10th day he should leave wet clothes, and then -