Pitru Paksha 2026 (पितृ पक्ष)
🙏 Pitrs (ancestors)
About Pitru Paksha
A ~15-day period (Purnima Shraddha through Sarva Pitru Amavasya of Ashwin, per most Panchangs — some South Indian Amanta traditions start the count a day later, from Krishna-paksha Pratipada) dedicated to honouring departed ancestors — believed to free their souls for their onward journey and, in turn, bring blessings and protection to the living family. Shraddha is performed on the ancestor's own death-tithi where known, or on the closing Sarva Pitru Amavasya otherwise.
🪔 Puja Vidhi
Shraddha and Tarpan (offering of water and til) on the ancestor's own tithi; Pind Daan (offering of rice balls); feeding Brahmins, cows, dogs and crows — traditionally considered messengers to the ancestors — as part of the day's ritual.
- Tarpan / Shraddha on the correct tithi
- Charity and feeding the needy (and animals)
- Quiet, reflective conduct
- Weddings, Griha Pravesh (housewarming), or other auspicious ceremonies
- Buying new clothes, vehicles, or property
- Haircuts/shaving (in many traditions)
- Non-vegetarian food and alcohol
📅 Day-by-Day Guide
| Date | Tithi | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Sept 2026 (Sat) | Purnima | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Purnima. |
| 27 Sept 2026 (Sun) | Pratipada | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Pratipada. |
| 28 Sept 2026 (Mon) | Dvitiya | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Dvitiya. |
| 29 Sept 2026 (Tue) | Tritiya | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Tritiya. |
| 30 Sept 2026 (Wed) | Chaturthi | Bharani Shraddha — a day of special significance regardless of the actual tithi, believed to grant the departed liberation. |
| 1 Oct 2026 (Thu) | Panchami | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Panchami. |
| 2 Oct 2026 (Fri) | Shashthi | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Shashthi. |
| 3 Oct 2026 (Sat) | Saptami | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Saptami. |
| 4 Oct 2026 (Sun) | Navami | Avidhava/Matru Navami — traditionally for married women who died before their husbands. |
| 5 Oct 2026 (Mon) | Dashami | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Dashami. |
| 6 Oct 2026 (Tue) | Ekadashi | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Ekadashi. |
| 7 Oct 2026 (Wed) | Dvadashi | Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Dvadashi. |
| 8 Oct 2026 (Thu) | Trayodashi | Traditionally associated with those who died an accidental or unnatural death (sometimes called "Ghayal Trayodashi"). |
| 9 Oct 2026 (Fri) | Chaturdashi | Ghat Chaturdashi — traditionally for those who died a violent or untimely death (accident, suicide, murder, weapon). |
| 10 Oct 2026 (Sat) | Amavasya | Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) — Shraddha for ALL ancestors, especially those whose exact death-tithi is unknown or forgotten, and for anyone whose own tithi-specific day was missed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Pitru Paksha runs from Bhadrapada Purnima Shraddha through Ashwin's Sarva Pitru Amavasya — see the exact 2026 dates above.
Shraddha can be performed on the closing Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) for any ancestor whose exact tithi is unknown or forgotten.
No — weddings, Griha Pravesh and other auspicious ceremonies are traditionally paused for the whole period.