Pitru Paksha 2026: Start Date, Shraddha Dates and Amavasya

Pitru Paksha 2026

Pitru Paksha 2026 will be observed from September 26 to October 10 when Purnima Shraddha is included.

Purnima Shraddha falls on Saturday, September 26, while Pratipada Shraddha—the beginning of the Krishna Paksha sequence—falls on Sunday, September 27.

Pitru Paksha ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Pitru Paksha, also called Mahalaya Paksha, is a period traditionally dedicated to remembering ancestors. Families may perform Shraddha, Tarpana, Pinda Dana, prayer and charity according to their regional and family traditions. Shraddha, Tarpana and Pinda Dana are among the best-known observances of this period, though the exact practice differs by family and region.

Pitru Paksha 2026 at a Glance

• Purnima Shraddha: September 26, 2026
• Pratipada Shraddha: September 27, 2026
• Maha Bharani Shraddha: September 29, 2026
• Matri Navami: October 4, 2026
• Magha Shraddha: October 7, 2026
• Sarva Pitru Amavasya: October 10, 2026
• Navratri begins: October 11, 2026

Pitru Paksha 2026 Shraddha Dates

This table follows a published New Delhi Panchang reference. Dates can vary outside India or where a different local sunrise changes the applicable Tithi, so confirm the ceremony location before making arrangements.

When Should Shraddha Be Performed?

Traditionally, Shraddha is performed on the lunar Tithi associated with the ancestor’s death rather than simply choosing the same Gregorian calendar date every year.

For example, if the death occurred during Dashami Tithi, Dashami Shraddha may be observed during Pitru Paksha.

Shraddha rituals are generally preferred during:

• Kutup Muhurta
• Rohina Muhurta
• Aparahna period

These periods change according to the city, local sunrise and Tithi. A single national clock time should therefore not be published for every location.

Check the ceremony city through the Daily Panchang.

What If the Death Tithi Is Unknown?

When the exact lunar death Tithi is not known, or when a family cannot perform Shraddha on the appropriate day, the ritual may traditionally be performed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

This final day is intended for collectively remembering known and unknown ancestors.

Important Shraddha Days

Purnima Shraddha — September 26

Purnima Shraddha is observed for family members whose relevant annual observance is connected with Purnima according to the followed tradition.

Although it occurs immediately before Pratipada Shraddha, it is commonly included in annual Pitru Paksha date lists.

Maha Bharani Shraddha — September 29

Maha Bharani is observed when Bharani Nakshatra occurs during Pitru Paksha.

It is a Nakshatra-based observance rather than a separate lunar Tithi. In 2026, Maha Bharani and Tritiya Shraddha both fall on September 29.

Matri Navami — October 4

Navami Shraddha is commonly known as Matri Navami in several traditions.

It is especially associated with remembering deceased women of the family, although the exact ritual practice can differ by community and family custom. Navami Shraddha falls on October 4 in 2026.

Magha Shraddha — October 7

Magha Shraddha is connected with the presence of Magha Nakshatra during Pitru Paksha.

In 2026, it occurs on the same date as Dwadashi Shraddha: October 7.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya — October 10

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the final and most widely observed day of Pitru Paksha.

Families may perform Shraddha on this day when:

• the exact death Tithi is unknown,
• a Tithi-specific ritual could not be performed,
• ancestors are being remembered collectively,
• family tradition prescribes Amavasya Shraddha.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is also called Mahalaya Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya and Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Simple Pitru Paksha Ritual at Home

The detailed procedure differs between traditions. A simple respectful observance may include:

1. Clean the worship area and bathe.
2. Remember the ancestors by name where known.
3. Make a simple Sankalpa expressing gratitude.
4. Offer water with black sesame according to family practice.
5. Perform Tarpana or Pinda Dana where traditionally followed.
6. Offer simple food before it is served to the family.
7. Give food, clothes or useful support to someone in need.
8. End with a prayer for peace and family wisdom.

Where a detailed Vedic Shraddha ceremony is required, families generally seek guidance from a priest familiar with their regional and family tradition.

What Is Tarpana?

Tarpana is a traditional offering of water made while remembering ancestors.

Water, black sesame and Kusha grass may be used depending on the followed procedure. The exact Mantras, direction and sequence differ across traditions.

A person unfamiliar with the complete procedure can still remember ancestors respectfully, offer water and perform charity rather than using unverified ritual instructions.

What Is Pinda Dana?

Pinda Dana traditionally involves offering prepared food portions representing gratitude and remembrance of ancestors.

The ingredients and method differ according to region. Rice, sesame and other simple food ingredients are commonly used in various traditions.

Places such as Gaya, Prayagraj, Kashi and other pilgrimage centres are known for organised ancestral rituals, but travelling to a pilgrimage location is not compulsory for every family.

Food and Conduct During Pitru Paksha

Many families prefer simple vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha and avoid celebrations or major auspicious ceremonies.

However, food restrictions vary significantly by region and household. They should not be presented as identical rules for every Hindu family.

The deeper principles of the period include:

• gratitude toward previous generations,
• responsible treatment of parents and elders,
• charity,
• avoiding waste,
• resolving family responsibilities,
• preserving family memories.

A ritual performed for ancestors becomes more meaningful when living family members are also treated with dignity and care.

Should New Auspicious Work Be Avoided?

Many families avoid weddings, housewarming ceremonies and other major celebrations during Pitru Paksha.

This is a traditional period of remembrance rather than a claim that ordinary life, work, education or necessary travel must stop.

Daily responsibilities, healthcare, examinations and essential work should not be postponed merely because Pitru Paksha is underway.

Purnimanta and Amanta Calendar Difference

In the North Indian Purnimanta calendar, Pitru Paksha falls during Ashwin Krishna Paksha.

In the South Indian Amanta calendar, the same period is generally described as occurring during Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha.

The lunar-month name differs, but the Shraddha dates are broadly observed on the same days within India.

#If the Gregorian death date is known but the lunar Tithi is not, use the Shraddha Tithi Calculator as a starting point. Confirm the selected day through the location-based Daily Panchang, and use the Hindu Calendar for the wider festival sequence.

Date References

• 2026 Pitru Paksha Shraddha dates for New Delhi
• Pitra Paksha cultural overview — Utsav, Ministry of Tourism

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pitru Paksha begin in 2026?

Purnima Shraddha is on September 26. The Krishna Paksha sequence begins with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27.

When does Pitru Paksha end?

It ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Is Pitru Paksha 15 or 16 days?

The main Krishna Paksha contains 15 lunar Tithis. Annual lists often include Purnima Shraddha immediately before it, resulting in 16 listed observance days.

On which day should Shraddha be performed?

Traditionally, it is performed on the lunar Tithi associated with the ancestor’s death.

What should be done if the Tithi is unknown?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10 may be observed for known and unknown ancestors.

What is the preferred time for Shraddha?

Kutup Muhurta, Rohina Muhurta and the Aparahna period are traditionally preferred. Exact timings depend on location.

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