What is the meaning of 'Shraddha' in the story of Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar, and why was its neglect significant?

In the story of Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar found in chapter 4, 'Shraddha' refers to the death anniversary ceremony for his father. Its neglect was highly significant because it was part of a broader abandonment of spiritual duties. Bhagwantrao's father had been a great devotee of Vitthal and a friend of Sai Baba. After his father's death, Bhagwantrao not only stopped the daily worship and food offerings (Naivedya) to the family's Vitthal idol but also failed to perform the annual Shraddha. Sai Baba highlighted the gravity of this, stating that this neglect left both Vitthal and himself hungry. Baba intervened by bringing Bhagwantrao to Shirdi to remind him of these essential observances and restore the family's devotional practices.