Shraddhanjali and Prayer Meeting Card Maker

What is a shraddhanjali card?

When someone in the family passes away, the days that follow are heavy and full of small tasks. One of those tasks is letting relatives, neighbours, colleagues and old friends know what has happened and when they can come to offer their prayers. In the past this was done through phone calls, a notice in the local newspaper, or a printed card sent through the community. Today most families share a simple digital card on WhatsApp.

A shraddhanjali card is a tribute card. It usually carries a photo of the departed, their full name, the dates of birth and passing, a short line of prayer or remembrance, and the details of the prayer meeting. It is not decorative in the way a festival card is. Its purpose is to inform people clearly and to honour the person with dignity.

The same card is often called a besnu card in Gujarat, a prarthana sabha card or shok sabha card in many North Indian families, or simply an Om Shanti card. Whatever the name, the aim is the same: to gather people in prayer for the peace of the soul and to support the grieving family.

Customs after a death: a gentle overview

Customs after a death differ a great deal from one community, caste, region and even one family to another. What is described below is a general picture only. Elders in your family or your community priest will know what is followed in your home, and their guidance should always come first.

Besnu (Gujarat)

In many Gujarati families, the besnu is the gathering where relatives and friends come to sit with the family, offer condolences and join in prayer or bhajans. It is usually held within a few days of the death, often in the afternoon or evening, at home, at a community hall (wadi) or a temple. The besnu card tells people the date, time and place, and sometimes mentions whether it is for both ladies and gents together.

Uthamnu or Uthamna

The uthamnu (also written uthamna) is a prayer meeting held in many Gujarati and some Marwari families, commonly on the third day. In several communities the besnu and uthamnu are combined into a single prayer meeting, and the card simply says "Besnu and Uthamnu". In North India, a similar gathering is known as uthala or uthavna, where relatives gather, prayers are read, and the family is supported through the early days of grief.

Prarthana sabha or shok sabha

The prarthana sabha (prayer meeting) or shok sabha (condolence meeting) is common across North India and in many urban families everywhere. A photo of the departed is placed with a garland and a lamp, bhajans or the Gita path may be recited, and visitors offer flowers and fold their hands in silent prayer. Many families now keep only a prarthana sabha in place of several separate rituals, especially in cities.

Panidhol

In some Gujarati communities, panidhol is a ritual observed by the family, generally around the time of the besnu or uthamnu, marking the end of the first phase of mourning. The details vary widely, so families usually mention it on the card only if relatives are expected to attend.

Barmu and terahvi

The barmu (twelfth day) in Gujarat and the terahvi (thirteenth day) in North India mark the completion of the main mourning period. Rituals are performed for the peace of the soul, and in many families a meal is offered to Brahmins, relatives and the community. Some families invite close relatives only, while others invite a wider circle.

Pagdi rasam

In many North Indian families, the pagdi rasam is held on or near the terahvi. A turban is tied on the eldest son or the next head of the family in front of relatives, symbolising that he now carries the responsibilities of the household. It is a moment of both grief and continuity, and it is often mentioned on the same card as the terahvi.

Please remember that none of these customs is compulsory in one fixed form. Some families hold all of them, some only one, and many modern families announce a single prayer meeting and request that no other rituals be expected. All of these choices are respectful.

What to write in a condolence message

When you receive a shraddhanjali card, you may want to reply to the family or post a message in the group. A few simple words, written sincerely, mean far more than a long paragraph.

• Keep it short. "Om Shanti. Deepest condolences to the family" is enough for most situations.
• Use the person's name. Mentioning "Rameshbhai" or "Dadi ji" makes the message personal.
• Share a small memory if you have one, such as their kindness, humour or the way they welcomed guests.
• Offer help simply, for example with food, errands or picking up relatives from the station, and mean it.
• Pray for strength for the family, not only for the peace of the soul.

There are also things best avoided:

• Do not ask about the cause of death or the medical details in the group or in the first message.
• Avoid phrases like "everything happens for a reason" or "at least they lived a long life", which can hurt even when kindly meant.
• Do not use emojis, stickers or forwarded images with loud colours. A plain text message is more respectful.
• Do not turn the conversation towards your own losses or problems.

Sharing on WhatsApp: simple etiquette

Sharing a prayer meeting card on WhatsApp has become normal and is widely accepted. A few thoughtful habits make it easier for everyone.

1. Let one person share first. Usually a son, daughter, nephew or close family friend shares the card, and others forward it to their circles.
2. Add a short line with the card, such as "With deep sorrow we inform you of the passing of our father. Prayer meeting details are in the card."
3. Double-check dates and the venue before sending. Correcting a mistake later causes confusion at a difficult time.
4. Do not expect replies to every message. The family may not be able to respond, and that is understood.
5. If you are a visitor, reply in the group only once, and send personal messages directly to the family member you know.

How to make a shraddhanjali card on this site

The card maker on this page is designed to be calm and simple. You do not need any design skills, and nothing needs to be installed.

1. Choose the type of card, such as Shraddhanjali, Besnu, Uthamna, Prarthana Sabha or Terahvi. The heading on the card changes accordingly.
2. Add a photo of the departed. A clear, front-facing photo with a plain background works best.
3. Enter the name as the family wishes it to appear, for example "Late Shri Rameshbhai Patel" or "Swargiya Smt. Kamla Devi Sharma".
4. Add the dates of birth and passing, if the family wishes to show them.
5. Fill in the prayer meeting details: date, time and venue.
6. Add the family names under "In grief", such as sons, daughters, grandchildren or the whole family surname.
7. Pick a tribute line from the suggested words, or write your own in a few simple sentences.
8. Use the note line for anything extra, such as a contact number or "Only prayer meeting; no other rituals".
9. Preview, download and share the card on WhatsApp or print it if needed.

Take a moment to read the card once more before sending, ideally with another family member. We hope this small tool makes one part of a painful time a little easier. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.