Pitru Paksha Begins 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals & More
Pitru Paksha will begin on Sunday, September 27, 2026, and continue until Saturday, October 10, 2026. It is a sacred period dedicated to remembering and honouring our departed ancestors. During these days, devotees perform “Shradh, Tarpan, Pind Daan, prayers and charity” as per their family traditions. Shradh is generally performed on the tithi on which an ancestor passed away.
The period ends with “Sarva Pitru Amavasya,” also known as “Mahalaya Amavasya,” on October 10. This day is important for remembering all ancestors, particularly when their exact “Shradh tithi” is not known.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Tithi & Shradh Dates
Each day of Pitru Paksha is linked to a lunar tithi.
| Date | Day | Shradh tithi |
| September 27 | Sunday | Pratipada Shraddha |
| September 28 | Monday | Dwitiya Shraddha |
| September 29 | Tuesday | Tritiya/Chaturthi Shraddha |
| September 30 | Wednesday | Panchami Shraddha |
| October 1 | Thursday | Shashthi Shraddha |
| October 2 | Friday | Saptami Shraddha |
| October 3 | Saturday | Ashtami Shraddha |
| October 4 | Sunday | Navami Shraddha |
| October 5 | Monday | Dashami Shraddha |
| October 6 | Tuesday | Ekadashi Shraddha |
| October 7 | Wednesday | Dwadashi Shraddha |
| October 8 | Thursday | Trayodashi Shraddha |
| October 9 | Friday | Chaturdashi Shraddha |
| October 10 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya |
Point to Consider: The exact Shradh tithi can vary by location. You should check your local “Panchang” for the exact date.
What is the Significance of Pitru Paksha?
In Hindu belief, every person carries a sacred debt towards their ancestors. It is called “Pitru Rina.” Our ancestors gave us life, family, values and lineage. Pitru Paksha is the time to honour this debt through Shradh and other traditional observances.
Rituals like “Tarpan” and “Pind Daan” are performed with prayers for the peace and onward journey of departed ancestors. Devotees believe that by performing these rituals they will be able to seek the blessings of their ancestors which is believed to bring “peace, harmony, prosperity and well-being” to the household.
Pitru Paksha Shradh Vidhi
Shradh Vidhi varies based on the family tradition and the type of Shradh being performed. A simple household observance may include the following steps:
- Clean the place where the Shradh will be performed. Keep the surroundings peaceful and clean
- Remember the ancestor for whom the Shradh is being performed. The ancestor's name and family lineage should be mentioned as part of the Sankalp
- Offer water with black sesame and other traditional materials as per your family custom
- If “Pind Daan” is part of your family tradition, prepare the “Pindas” as prescribed and offer them with the proper prayers
- Prepare simple traditional satvik food (vegetarian food prepared without any onion or garlic), such as rice and dal, Poori and Kaddu (pumpkin), and kheer
- Donate food, clothes, grains or other useful items in memory of your ancestors
Best Time to Perform Shradh During Pitru Paksha
Traditional Shradh is generally performed during the “Aparahna period” (the afternoon or the period of the day from noon (12:00 PM) to evening. “Kutup and Rohina muhurats” are also associated with Parvan Shradh. However, the exact timings change from one city to another because sunrise, sunset and tithi timings are location-specific.
Therefore, you should check your local Panchang for the exact “Kutup muhurat,” “Rohina muhurat,” and “Aparahna Kaal” before performing Shradh.
Pitru Paksha Rules
There is no single set of rules followed by every Hindu family. Customs can differ based on region, Sampradaya and family tradition. Some common practices include:
- Follow the Shradh tithi of the ancestor
- Keep the puja space clean
- Make simple and traditional food
- Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food
- Do not indulge in any wasteful activities
- Maintain peace and avoid arguments
- Make donations according to your capacity
- Stick to family traditions rather than fear-based rules online
FAQs
When does Pitru Paksha begin in 2026?
Pitru Paksha begins on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with Pratipada Shraddha.
When does Pitru Paksha end in 2026?
Pitru Paksha ends on October 10, 2026 (Saturday), with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is also known as “Mahalaya Amavasya.”
What if the ancestor's death Tithi is not known?
Many families observe “Sarva Pitru Amavasya” when the exact death tithi is not known.
Can women perform Pitru rituals?
There is no single rule that applies to every hindu household. Hence, you should follow your own tradition.