Pitru Paksha 2026: Check All 15 Days of Shradh, Start & End Dates, Tithis and Rituals
When Does Pitru Paksha 2026 Begin and End? Find all 15 Shradh dates, important tithis, rituals and rules for honouring ancestors.
Pitru Paksha 2026 / Shradh 2026 begins on September 26, 2026 and ends on October 10, 2026 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Get the complete Shradh Calendar, key dates, rituals, rules, etc. to please your ancestors and pray for their blessings for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
When Does Pitru Paksha 2026 Begin and End?
According to the Hindu calendar or Panchang, the Shradh will begin from September 26, 2026, which is Bhadrapada Purnima Shradh. The main Pitru Paksha will start on September 27 with the first day of Krishna Paksha and end on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Pitru Paksha is an occasion to remember the deceased members of the family with devotion, respect and gratitude. As per Hindu belief, the ritual of Shradh along with food, water, and charity offerings made during this period pleases the ancestors and seek their blessings.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Calendar: All Shradh Tithis and Dates
Shradh is traditionally performed on the lunar tithi corresponding to an ancestor’s death. In 2026, Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh fall on the same calendar date, September 30. Therefore, the tithi sequence does not follow a simple one-day-per-tithi count.
September 26, Saturday: Bhadrapada Purnima Shradh
September 27, Sunday: Pratipada Shradh
September 28, Monday: Dwitiya Shradh
September 29, Tuesday: Tritiya Shradh
September 30, Wednesday: Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh
October 1, Thursday: Shashthi Shradh
October 2, Friday: Saptami Shradh
October 3, Saturday: Ashtami Shradh
October 4, Sunday: Navami Shradh (Matru Navami)
October 5, Monday: Dashami Shradh
October 6, Tuesday: Ekadashi Shradh
October 7, Wednesday: Dwadashi Shradh
October 8, Thursday: Trayodashi Shradh
October 9, Friday: Chaturdashi Shradh
October 10, Saturday: Sarva Pitru Amavasya
What Is the Significance of Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a holy period to remember and thank the departed souls for their blessings and sacrifices. Hindu traditions emphasise that honouring ancestors is an important family and spiritual responsibility.
In this period, Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan are conducted by the family in remembrance of the ancestors and food/charity offerings are made in memory of their ancestors. Devotees strongly feel that performing the above-mentioned rituals sincerely will bring peace to the departed souls and blessings to the family itself. These are religious beliefs and traditional interpretations.
According to Drik Panchang, Maharshi Parashara describes Shraddha as an act performed with devotion, appropriate offerings, mantras and observance of the proper place and time.
There is a verse from the Markandeya Purana that reflects on the traditional belief in the blessings of Shradh:
आयुः प्रजां धनं विद्यां स्वर्गं मोक्षं सुखानि च। प्रयच्छन्ति तथा राज्यं पितरः श्राद्धतर्पितः॥
When honoured through Shradh, ancestors are traditionally believed to bestow long life, progeny, wealth, knowledge, happiness and spiritual blessings.
How Are Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan Performed?
The actual process is different according to the traditions of the family and the area. Few among the rituals include:
Sankalp: The performer makes a devotional resolve to honour the ancestors.
Pind Daan: Symbolic food offerings, commonly prepared using rice and other traditional ingredients, are offered to the ancestors.
Tarpan: Water mixed with ingredients such as sesame seeds and kusha grass is offered as an act of remembrance.
Brahmin Bhoj and charity: Food, donations or other offerings may be made according to the family's custom.
Food offerings to animals and birds: Some traditions include offering food to crows, cows and dogs.
These observances are described in traditional Shraddha guides, including Drik Panchang.
For readers of Sanatnagyan, the key point is that Shradh is traditionally performed with devotion, respect and attention to the appropriate tithi.
Explore Further: Pitru Paksha 2026: Is Pitru Dosha Behind Family Conflicts, Marriage Delays & Financial Problems?
What Should You Avoid During Pitru Paksha?
Many Hindu families follow specific restrictions during Shradh Paksha. The above mentioned are some traditional religious practices and may vary from community to community.
Food and diet: Many families avoid meat, alcohol, onion, garlic and other foods considered tamasic, choosing a simple sattvic diet instead.
Personal grooming: Avoiding haircuts, shaving and nail trimming is a customary restriction in some traditions.
Auspicious ceremonies: Weddings, engagements, mundan ceremonies, housewarming celebrations and other major auspicious functions are commonly postponed.
New purchases and beginnings: Some families avoid buying new clothes or starting major ventures during this period.
The rituals described above are religious and familial traditions and not universal ones. Families may consult their traditional priest for guidance on specific observances.
What Should You Do During Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is traditionally performed with austere life, devotion, and doing good deeds. Some traditional practices families adopt are:
Offer food and water to crows, cows, dogs, or other animals according to local customs.
Prepare a simple, sattvic meal for the Shradh observance.
Perform tarpan and other family rituals with guidance from knowledgeable elders or a priest.
Donate food, clothing, or other essentials to people in need.
Remember ancestors with gratitude and maintain a peaceful, respectful atmosphere at home.
The methods are steeped in religious and regional culture. The specific rituals may vary from one community to another, and hence, people follow their own traditions based on their ancestry.
Pitru Paksha 2026 is an auspicious period for performing homage to the departed souls by conducting Shradh, Tarpan, giving alms and being devoted. Conduct yourself according to your tithi and family traditions during this period.
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