Pitru Paksha 2026: Check Complete Shradh Calendar, Sarva Pitru Amavasya Date, Tarpan, Pind Daan & All Rituals

Pitru Paksha 2026 will begin on Saturday, September 26, with Purnima Shraddha and conclude on Saturday, October 10, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. The 16-day period is observed by many Hindu families to remember their ancestors and perform traditional rites including Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan.

Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates: Check Shraddha Tithi, Tarpan, Pind Daan & More

The period is also one that requires advance planning for many households. Families may need to arrange priests, travel, ritual materials, meals and charitable donations depending on their customs. Since Shraddha is linked to the lunar tithi of an ancestor, the applicable date and timing should be checked according to the local panchang.

Pitru Paksha is traditionally observed from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya. In 2026, the observance will continue from September 26 to October 10. Families generally perform Shraddha on the lunar tithi corresponding to the death anniversary of an ancestor.

The key Pitru Paksha 2026 dates are:

Purnima Shraddha: September 26, Saturday
Pratipada Shraddha: September 27, Sunday
Dwitiya Shraddha: September 28, Monday
Tritiya Shraddha: September 29, Tuesday
Chaturthi Shraddha: September 30, Wednesday
Panchami Shraddha: September 30, Wednesday
Shashthi Shraddha: October 1, Thursday
Saptami Shraddha: October 2, Friday
Ashtami Shraddha: October 3, Saturday
Navami Shraddha: October 4, Sunday
Dashami Shraddha: October 5, Monday
Ekadashi Shraddha: October 6, Tuesday
Dwadashi Shraddha: October 7, Wednesday
Magha Shraddha: October 7, Wednesday
Trayodashi Shraddha: October 8, Thursday
Chaturdashi Shraddha: October 9, Friday
Sarva Pitru Amavasya: October 10, Saturday

The dates of lunar tithis can vary slightly between cities because they depend on local sunrise and panchang calculations. Families should therefore confirm the exact Shraddha date and ritual timing applicable to their location.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya; Check Date, Tithi & Muhurat

Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha and is traditionally associated with offerings made in remembrance of ancestors. It is also considered particularly relevant when the exact death tithi of an ancestor is not known.

In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10, Saturday, bringing the Pitru Paksha period to an end. Families who have not been able to perform rites on a specific ancestral tithi may traditionally observe this day according to their family customs.

Shraddha, Tarpan And Pind Daan

Shraddha broadly refers to the traditional rites performed in remembrance of deceased ancestors. Depending on the family's customs, the ceremony may involve prayers, food offerings and other rituals intended to honour the departed.

Tarpan involves offering water to ancestors. In many traditions, black sesame seeds are added to the water, while some families also use milk or Ganga water. A copper vessel and kusha grass are commonly associated with the ritual.

Pind Daan involves offering pindas, traditionally prepared using rice and other ingredients, as part of the ancestral rites. The exact method can vary depending on regional traditions and the instructions followed by the family.

During Tarpan, many traditions involve facing the south direction, which is traditionally associated with ancestors. Mantras may be recited during the offering, either by the person performing the ritual or with the assistance of a priest.

Pitru Paksha Food Rules: What Is Traditionally Prepared?

Food prepared for Shraddha is generally kept simple and sattvic. Many families avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food while preparing the meal associated with the ritual.

In several traditions, food is also offered as part of Panchbali, which involves setting aside portions for a cow, dog, crow, deity and ants. The crow has a particular symbolic association with ancestors in many Shraddha traditions.

Some households wait for a crow to accept the food before proceeding with other parts of the observance. However, this practice is not identical across all communities and can differ according to regional and family customs.

Pitru Paksha Charity: What You Can Donate

Charity is another common part of Pitru Paksha observance. Families may donate food, clothes, footwear, sesame seeds or other useful items to people in need. For many households, these donations are considered a way of remembering ancestors through acts of service. The nature and extent of charity can vary according to family tradition and individual circumstances.