Source: www.thaindian.com
AGRA, INDIA, September 2, 2009: Few of the younger generation are entering the priesthood, and the number of “karamkandi” pandits is declining sharply in Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan. Despite an influx of pandits from other areas, there is a severe shortage of properly trained people to perform the rituals of Pitra Paksh, when Hindu families pray for peace to the souls of departed ancestors. At Vrindavan and Mathura, pilgrims at the Yamuna ghats are having difficulty finding someone to conduct the shradha ritual.
Traditionally, a family performing shraddha would hold an elaborate feast to feed the pandits, inviting family and friends as well. But now, many end up feeding beggars and cows because pandits are not available on the day when a shradha is to be held. Others give money to the temple priest and request him to eat according to his convenience. Pandit Shiv Shankar laments that even when a pandit can be found, “Most people chose to pay the pandit a lump sum expecting him to feed himself and bless the client. The sentiment behind it is clearly missing.”
The few available pandits are heavily booked already. “On occasions, we have to eat at three different places within a gap of one hour!” says pandit Mahesh Shukla.