SHARAADH
Literally: an activity done with Shardha (faith/devotion).
In Hinduism, it means a ritual performed (every year during particular days) in the memory of the deceased parents or some other relatives.
Alms giving, feeding the Brahmins (the priestly class) and beggars etc. are a part of this ritual. The Hindus believe that the food given in charity, during Sharaadh ceremony, shall reach their deceased forefathers/relatives.
Sikhism rejects this ritual as hypocrisy. A Sikh is supposed to look after his/her parents when they are alive. Generally, people do not take care of his/her parents when they were alive, but after their death Saraadhs are observed; this is mere hypocrisy.
Those who don’t serve their forefathers when alive,
They celebrate (giving food for them) after they die.
How the poor forefathers can get, the crows and dogs eat (their food).
(Guru Granth Sahib, p.332)
Pandit rolls and eats up rice,
One roll in the name of gods, (&) one roll in the name of ancestors.
Nanak says, “Let there be a roll of his Grace, it will never exhaust.
(Guru Granth Sahib, p.358)
A Sikh is forbidden to observe such-like rituals.
.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)