Pitru Paksha 2026
पितृ पक्ष 2026 · श्राद्ध तिथियाँ
Pitru Paksha 2026 runs from Saturday, 26 September to Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, 10 October. During these sixteen days, families honour their ancestors (pitru) with Shraddh, Tarpan and Pind Daan.
Today · Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Chaturthi & Panchami Shraddh (चतुर्थी व पंचमी श्राद्ध)
Both tithis fall on the same day
Shradh 2026 Dates: Complete Tithi List
Perform Shradh on the tithi on which your ancestor passed away. Dates are for New Delhi, so confirm with your local panchang.
| Date | Shradh |
|---|---|
| 26 Sept · Sat | Purnima Shraddh पूर्णिमा श्राद्ध |
| 27 Sept · Sun | Pratipada Shraddh प्रतिपदा श्राद्ध |
| 28 Sept · Mon | Dwitiya Shraddh द्वितीया श्राद्ध |
| 29 Sept · Tue | Tritiya Shraddh तृतीया श्राद्ध Also Maha Bharani |
| 30 Sept · Wed | Chaturthi & Panchami Shraddh चतुर्थी व पंचमी श्राद्ध Both tithis fall on the same day |
| 1 Oct · Thu | Shashthi Shraddh षष्ठी श्राद्ध |
| 2 Oct · Fri | Saptami Shraddh सप्तमी श्राद्ध |
| 3 Oct · Sat | Ashtami Shraddh अष्टमी श्राद्ध |
| 4 Oct · Sun | Navami Shraddh (Matru Navami) नवमी श्राद्ध (मातृ नवमी) For mothers and married women of the family |
| 5 Oct · Mon | Dashami Shraddh दशमी श्राद्ध |
| 6 Oct · Tue | Ekadashi Shraddh एकादशी श्राद्ध Also Indira Ekadashi |
| 7 Oct · Wed | Dwadashi Shraddh द्वादशी श्राद्ध Also Magha Shraddh; for sanyasis |
| 8 Oct · Thu | Trayodashi Shraddh त्रयोदशी श्राद्ध For children who passed away |
| 9 Oct · Fri | Chaturdashi Shraddh चतुर्दशी श्राद्ध For those who died by accident or weapons |
| 10 Oct · Sat | Sarva Pitru Amavasya सर्व पितृ अमावस्या For all ancestors, and whenever the tithi is not known |
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha (also called Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha) is the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin (Bhadrapada in the amanta calendar). It is believed that during these days the ancestors come close to the earthly world, and that offerings made with devotion (shraddha) reach them and bring their blessings to the family.
The Mahabharata tells how Karna, known for his generosity, was offered only gold and jewels as food in heaven, because in life he had donated gold but never food or water in the name of his ancestors. He was allowed to return to earth for this fortnight to make those offerings - and that is how the tradition of Shradh in this period is explained.
Which Day Should You Perform Shradh?
- On the tithi of death of the ancestor, whether it fell in Shukla or Krishna Paksha.
- Matru Navami (4 October) for the mother and other married women of the family who have passed away.
- Chaturdashi (9 October) for those who died an untimely death, such as by accident or weapons.
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya (10 October) for all ancestors, and whenever the tithi is not known or was missed.
How to Do Tarpan and Shradh at Home
Many families call a priest for the full Shradh with sankalp in the family gotra. The simple home Tarpan below is what most people do themselves. The eldest son or another male family member traditionally performs it, though customs vary.
- Bathe in the morning and wear clean, simple clothes. Shradh is done around midday (Kutup and Rohina muhurat) or in the afternoon.
- Sit facing south, the direction of the ancestors, holding kusha grass.
- Take water in a vessel and add black sesame seeds (kala til), barley and a few white flowers.
- Take the water in your cupped palms and let it flow out between the thumb and index finger, three times for each ancestor, remembering them by name and gotra.
- Offer food prepared at home without onion or garlic, such as kheer, puri and the vegetables your ancestors liked. Pind (balls of rice, sesame and ghee) are offered where that is the family tradition.
- Set aside the Pancha Bali portions for the cow, dog, crow, ants and devas before anyone eats. Feeding crows is especially important.
- Feed a Brahmin or someone in need, give dakshina or donate, and then the family eats.
Pitru Paksha Dos and Don'ts
✅ Do
- Remember your ancestors daily and offer water with sesame.
- Feed crows, cows, dogs and the needy.
- Donate food, clothes, sesame or grain.
- Recite the Pitru Stotram, Pitar Chalisa or the Bhagavad Gita.
- Keep the home and food sattvic.
❌ Avoid (by tradition)
- Meat, eggs, alcohol, onion and garlic.
- Weddings, griha pravesh, mundan and other auspicious ceremonies.
- Many families avoid big new purchases during these days.
- Turning away anyone who comes to your door asking for food.
Prayers for the Ancestors
Pitru Paksha 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pitru Paksha in 2026?
Pitru Paksha 2026 begins with Purnima Shraddh on Saturday, 26 September 2026 and ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
On which day should I perform Shradh?
Shradh is performed on the tithi (lunar day) on which the ancestor passed away, not the English calendar date. If the tithi is not known, perform it on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, 10 October 2026.
When is Matru Navami in 2026?
Matru Navami (Navami Shraddh), for mothers and married women of the family, is on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) is on Saturday, 10 October 2026. Shradh on this day is for all ancestors, and for anyone whose date of death is not known. Sharad Navratri begins the next day, 11 October.
Next · from 11 October
Navratri 2026: dates, colours and the 9 days of Maa Durga →