Quick Scoop: In Shradh, the most commonly offered donations are sattvic food, grains, black sesame, ghee, salt, sugar, milk, fruit, clothes, and dakshina, usually given to a priest, Brahmin, or someone in need. Traditional guidance also includes Anna Daan, or feeding people, as one of the most valued acts.

What to donate

A simple Shradh donation list often includes rice, dal, flour, black sesame seeds, ghee, salt, sugar, milk, fruit, and cooked food. Some traditions also mention white or sattvic items, water, and dakshina.

Common practice

The offering is usually made with a calm, respectful intention for ancestors. Many families also feed crows, Brahmins, guests, or the needy as part of the ritual, since feeding living beings is seen as an extension of Shradh charity.

Simple donation idea

If you want one easy and widely accepted option, donate:

  1. Cooked rice or khichdi.
  2. Black sesame seeds.
  3. Milk or curd.
  4. Fruit.
  5. Clothes or dakshina to someone in need.

What to avoid

A few online tradition lists mention avoiding items like footwear, brooms, and iron goods during Shradh donations. Since customs can vary by family and region, it is best to follow your household tradition or priest’s guidance.

TL;DR

The safest Shradh donations are food, grains, black sesame, milk, fruit, clothes, and cash or dakshina to the needy or a priest. Feeding others is considered especially meaningful.