A sur offering is a Tibetan Buddhist practice in which a mixture of flour, sweets and dairy products, sometimes with additional valuable or aromatic substances, is consecrated and placed in a fire or burned as incense[citation needed].
The resulting fragrant smoke is offered to the objects of refuge and shared with all sentient beings.
The practice may be long or short, as time and circumstances allow, and generally does not require initiation from a lama.
The merit of the practice is dedicated to the benefit of deceased persons or animals, especially during the 49 days after death, during which they are believed to be in the bardo state.
Sur offerings may also be done to dispel negative or harmful influences, such as ghosts.