Pitru Paksha 2026: Dates, Shraddha Calendar, Shraddha Tithi and Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Pitru Paksha 2026 is an important period in the Sanatan tradition dedicated to remembering, honouring, and expressing gratitude toward ancestors. During this period, families traditionally perform rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity for their departed ancestors.
Pitru Paksha is also known as Shraddha Paksha, Mahalaya Paksha, and Pitru Paksha. Traditionally, the Shraddha ceremony is performed according to the lunar date, or tithi, on which the ancestor passed away.
According to the Thakur Prasad Calendar 2026, after Purnima Shraddha on September 26, 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on Sunday, September 27, 2026, and conclude on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Important: Shraddha dates and the Aparahna Muhurat may vary depending on the city. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm the exact tithi and timing with your local Panchang before performing the rituals.
When is Pitru Paksha 2026?
The important dates of Pitru Paksha 2026 are as follows:
Purnima Shraddha: September 26, 2026, Saturday
Pitru Paksha Begins: September 27, 2026, Sunday
Sarva Pitru Amavasya: October 10, 2026, Saturday
Pitru Paksha Ends: October 10, 2026
September 27 is observed as the beginning of Mahalaya and Pitru Paksha. After this, Shraddha ceremonies are performed on different days according to the lunar death tithi of the departed ancestor.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Shraddha Date Calendar
Tithi | Date | Shraddha / Special Day |
Pratipada | September 27 | Mahalaya, Beginning of Pitru Paksha |
Dwitiya | September 28 | Dwitiya Shraddha |
Tritiya | September 29 | Tritiya Shraddha |
Chaturthi | September 30 | Chaturthi Shraddha |
Panchami | October 1 | Panchami Shraddha |
Shashti | October 2 | Shashti Shraddha |
Saptami/Ashtami | October 3 | Jivitputrika (Jitiya), Ashokashtami |
Navami | October 4 | Navami Shraddha, Matru Navami |
Dashami | October 5 | Dashami Shraddha |
Ekadashi | October 6 | Indira Ekadashi |
Dwadashi | October 7 | Sannyasi Shraddha |
Trayodashi | October 8 | Pradosh Vrat, Masik Shivratri |
Chaturdashi | October 9 | Durmaran Shraddha |
Amavasya | October 10 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Pitru Visarjan |
On Which Tithi is Shraddha Performed?
According to tradition, Shraddha is not determined by the date of the Gregorian calendar but by the lunar tithi on which the ancestor passed away.
For example, if a person passed away on Krishna Paksha Navami, their Shraddha is traditionally performed on Navami during Pitru Paksha.
If the date of death is unknown, or if Shraddha could not be performed on the appropriate tithi for some reason, many families perform Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is considered an important day for remembering ancestors.
Significance of Matru Navami
October 4, 2026, will be observed as Navami Shraddha as well as Matru Navami. Traditionally, this day is particularly associated with remembering departed mothers and other female ancestors of the family.
Many families perform Shraddha and Tarpan on this day for their departed mothers, grandmothers, maternal grandmothers, and other female ancestors.
Indira Ekadashi 2026
Indira Ekadashi will fall on October 6, 2026, during Pitru Paksha. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also traditionally associated with the welfare and remembrance of ancestors.
On this day, many devotees observe a fast, worship Lord Vishnu, and offer prayers for their departed ancestors.
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026. It is the final day of Pitru Paksha and is also known as Pitru Visarjan and Mahalaya Amavasya.
This day is particularly significant for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown or for those whose Shraddha could not be performed on the prescribed tithi.
On this day, families may respectfully remember and offer prayers for all known and unknown ancestors.
Religious Significance of Pitru Paksha
The central message of Pitru Paksha is respect, remembrance, and gratitude toward ancestors. In the Sanatan tradition, honouring previous generations of the family and lineage is considered important.
Through rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity, families remember their ancestors and offer prayers for their peace.
This period is not limited to religious rituals alone. It also provides an opportunity to remember family roots and acknowledge the connection between different generations.
What Should You Do During Pitru Paksha?
According to family traditions, devotees may follow these practices during Pitru Paksha:
Remember and honour departed ancestors.
Perform Tarpan and Shraddha according to tradition.
Offer food to people in need.
Donate according to one's capacity.
Maintain cleanliness in the home and पूजा area.
Respect and care for elderly family members.
Follow a sattvic diet and a disciplined lifestyle.
Confirm the Shraddha tithi and Muhurat according to the local Panchang.
What Should Be Avoided During Pitru Paksha?
In many families, there is a tradition of avoiding weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and other auspicious celebrations during Pitru Paksha. Similarly, many families follow a sattvic lifestyle and maintain discipline in their food and daily conduct during this period.
However, these practices can vary according to regional customs, community traditions, and individual family practices.
Pitru Paksha 2026: Important Points
Perform Shraddha according to the lunar death tithi of the ancestor.
Confirm the tithi with your local Panchang.
Check the local Aparahna Muhurat for performing Shraddha.
If the death tithi is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered an important day for performing Shraddha.
Follow your family and regional traditions.
For complex rituals, seek guidance from a qualified priest.
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha 2026 will be observed from September 27 to October 10, providing an important period for remembering and honouring ancestors. During this time, traditional rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity are performed according to family and regional customs.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026, will mark the final and significant day of Pitru Paksha. For the correct Shraddha tithi and local Muhurat, it is important to check the Panchang applicable to your city.
FAQ
Q.1- When will Pitru Paksha begin in 2026?
Ans. Pitru Paksha 2026 will begin on September 27, 2026.
Q.2- When will Pitru Paksha end in 2026?
Ans. Pitru Paksha will end on October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Q.3- When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?
Ans. Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Q.4- When should Shraddha be performed if the death tithi is unknown?
Ans. In many traditions, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered an appropriate day to perform Shraddha for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown.
Q.5- Is the Shraddha date the same in every city?
Ans. The main lunar tithi may be the same, but the exact tithi determination and Shraddha Muhurat can vary according to the local sunrise and Panchang calculations. Therefore, it is advisable to check the Panchang for your specific city before performing the ritual.
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