Kathmandu, September 6 Sorha Sraddha, a 16-lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, started today. Sorha Sraddha falls in the lunar month of Bhadra (September–October), beginning with the full moon day and ending with the new moon day. According to Hindu mythology, Sraddha rites are performed  and tarpan offered to deceased family members across three generations, both patriarchal and matriarchal. Sons offer pinda (ball of rice), fruits and flowers to their three generations. As the name suggests, Sorha Sraddha is observed for 16 days in memory of the deceased ancestors. Shraddha is performed  on premises of temples, riverbanks and houses with the help of priests. Hindus usually eat vegetarian food during the period. Dashain, the greatest festival of Hindus, starts after Sorha Sraddha is over.