Pitru Paksha 2026: Tithi, Shraddha Vidhi, Importance & Simple Pooja Steps
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Pitru Paksha is a sacred period dedicated to remembering, honouring and expressing gratitude towards our ancestors. In Hindu tradition, families perform Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan during this period as a way of offering श्रद्धा (faith and reverence) to their departed family members.
More than a ritual, Pitru Paksha is a time to pause and remember the people and generations because of whom our family exists today.
In 2026, the main Pitru Paksha period begins with Pratipada Shraddha on 27 September and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 10 October.
What is Pitru Paksha?
The word Pitru refers to ancestors, while Paksha means a fortnight.
Pitru Paksha is the Krishna Paksha period of Ashwin month during which Hindus traditionally perform rituals for departed ancestors. The central practice is Shraddha, ritual offerings made with faith, remembrance and reverence.
Traditional sources describe Shraddha as an offering made to the ancestors with श्रद्धा, or sincere faith. References to Shraddha traditions are found across several Hindu texts and ritual traditions.
The period reminds us of an important principle:
हम जहाँ आज हैं, उसके पीछे हमारी पिछली पीढ़ियों का भी योगदान है।
Pitru Paksha therefore becomes a time for remembrance, gratitude and family traditions.
When is Pitru Paksha 2026?
For 2026, the main Pitru Paksha Shraddha period is:
27 September 2026 – 10 October 2026
The concluding day is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Tithi Calendar
| Date | Day | Shraddha Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| 27 September 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada |
| 28 September 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya |
| 29 September 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya / Maha Bharani |
| 30 September 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi & Panchami |
| 1 October 2026 | Thursday | Shashthi |
| 2 October 2026 | Friday | Saptami |
| 3 October 2026 | Saturday | Ashtami |
| 4 October 2026 | Sunday | Navami / Matru Navami |
| 5 October 2026 | Monday | Dashami |
| 6 October 2026 | Tuesday | Ekadashi |
| 7 October 2026 | Wednesday | Dwadashi / Magha Shraddha |
| 8 October 2026 | Thursday | Trayodashi |
| 9 October 2026 | Friday | Chaturdashi |
| 10 October 2026 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya |
The 2026 calendar is unusual because Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha fall on the same calendar date, 30 September.
Important: Shraddha is generally performed according to the lunar tithi on which the ancestor passed away, rather than simply the Gregorian calendar date. Exact tithi and ritual timings can vary by location, so families should confirm the local Panchang before fixing the ritual time.
Why is Pitru Paksha Important?
In Hindu tradition, Pitru Paksha is associated with Pitru Rina, the sense of gratitude and obligation towards one's ancestors.
Our parents, grandparents and earlier generations pass down not only family lineage but also values, traditions, knowledge and संस्कार.
Shraddha provides an opportunity to consciously remember them.
1. A time to express gratitude
Pitru Paksha reminds us to acknowledge the contribution of our ancestors and remember them with respect.
2. A time for ancestral remembrance
Families perform Shraddha and Tarpan for departed family members according to their traditions.
3. A time for charity and seva
Food donation, feeding people in need and other acts of charity are traditionally associated with remembrance of ancestors, particularly during Shraddha observances.
4. A time for family traditions
Pitru Paksha keeps ancestral rituals and family traditions alive and gives younger generations an opportunity to understand their heritage.
What is Shraddha?
Shraddha literally carries the idea of an offering made with faith and reverence.
A traditional Shraddha may include offerings such as:
- Water
- Black sesame seeds
- Cooked food
- Rice
- Pindas
- Flowers
- Darbha/Kusha grass
Other items prescribed by the family's tradition
The exact procedure can differ according to regional customs, family tradition and the guidance of a priest.
Therefore, if you are performing a formal Shraddha for the first time, it is advisable to follow your family's traditional method or seek guidance from a knowledgeable priest.
Simple Pitru Tarpan at Home
For families who wish to remember their ancestors at home, a simple devotional remembrance can be performed according to one's family tradition.
Step 1: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
Begin the day with personal cleanliness and prepare a clean, peaceful place for the ritual.
Step 2: Remember your ancestors
Sit facing the appropriate direction according to your family tradition and mentally remember your departed ancestors.
You may respectfully recall their names and family lineage.
Step 3: Prepare water for Tarpan
Take clean water in a suitable vessel. Traditionally, black sesame seeds may be added.
Step 4: Offer Tarpan
Offer water respectfully while remembering your ancestors.
A simple prayer may be:
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः।
Repeat the prayer with श्रद्धा and remembrance.
Step 5: Offer food
Prepare simple vegetarian food according to your family's tradition and offer it respectfully as part of the Shraddha observance.
Step 6: Perform Seva or Daan
If possible, offer food to someone in need, feed a cow or perform another charitable act according to your beliefs and family tradition.
Step 7: Pray for peace
Conclude the ritual with a prayer for the peace and well-being of your ancestors and family.
What Can Be Offered During Pitru Paksha?
Traditional Shraddha practices may include offerings of:
जल (Water)
Water is an important part of Tarpan.
तिल (Black Sesame)
Black sesame is traditionally used in Tarpan and Shraddha rituals.
पिंड (Pinda)
Rice-based pindas are used in traditional Shraddha rituals.
अन्न (Food)
Food offerings and feeding are an important part of many Shraddha traditions.
दान (Charity)
Food, clothing and other forms of charity may be performed as part of ancestral remembrance.
The exact offerings can vary between communities and family traditions.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the final and particularly significant day of Pitru Paksha.
In 2026, it falls on:
Saturday, 10 October 2026
It is traditionally observed for remembering ancestors, especially when the exact death tithi is unknown or when a family is unable to perform Shraddha on the specific tithi.
It is also known as:
- Sarvapitra Amavasya
- Mahalaya Amavasya
- Pitru Amavasya
According to traditional Panchang guidance, this day is considered suitable for offering Shraddha for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown.
Who Should Perform Shraddha?
Traditionally, Shraddha is performed by family members according to their family tradition, regional customs and prescribed ritual practices.
The appropriate person, ritual and procedure can differ between families.
If you are unsure about:
- Which Tithi applies to your ancestor
- Who should perform the Shraddha
- Whether Tarpan can be performed at home
- Which offerings are appropriate
- The correct Muhurat
it is best to consult a knowledgeable family priest or local Panchang.
Pitru Paksha: More Than a Ritual
In today's busy life, remembering our ancestors can sometimes become limited to photographs and family stories.
Pitru Paksha gives us an opportunity to consciously pause.
To remember.
To express gratitude.
To perform Seva.
And to pass our family values to the next generation.
Because our roots are a part of our identity.
इस पितृ पक्ष, केवल श्राद्ध न करें—अपने पितरों को श्रद्धा से याद करें।
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः।
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of Pitru Paksha 2026?
The main Pitru Paksha Shraddha period in 2026 runs from 27 September to 10 October, ending with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Which Tithi should I perform Shraddha on?
Traditionally, Shraddha is performed on the lunar tithi corresponding to the ancestor's date of death, rather than simply the Gregorian calendar date.
What if I don't know my ancestor's death Tithi?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered an appropriate day for Shraddha when the death tithi is unknown. In 2026, it falls on 10 October.
Can Pitru Tarpan be performed at home?
A simple remembrance and Tarpan may be performed according to one's family tradition. For formal Shraddha rituals, it is advisable to follow the prescribed family/customary procedure or consult a knowledgeable priest.
Is Pitru Paksha only about rituals?
No. Along with traditional rituals, Pitru Paksha is also a period associated with remembrance, gratitude, charity and seva for many Hindu families.
Divya Roshani
Tradition. Faith. Devotion.
Disclaimer: Religious practices and rituals can vary according to region, sampradaya, family tradition and Panchang calculations. The information above is intended for general spiritual and educational purposes and should not replace guidance from your family priest or qualified ritual practitioner.