Pitru Paksha is considered to have special importance in Hindu religion. This time is dedicated to expressing reverence and gratitude towards the ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan are performed for the deceased family members. There is a religious belief that by performing Shraddha of the ancestors as per the rituals, their souls get peace and their blessings remain on the family. It is believed that the ancestors who are ritually performed Shraddha and Tarpan, become happy and bless the family with happiness, prosperity and progress.
At the same time, neglect of ancestors or Pitra Dosh is seen to be linked to many types of problems in life. In such a situation, Pitru Paksha is considered an important opportunity to fulfill one’s duties towards the ancestors. Let us know when Pitru Paksha will start in 2026 and which Shraddha will be performed on which day.
When will Pitru Paksha start in 2026?
According to the Panchang, the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month will start from 10.18 pm on 26 September 2026 and will end at 8.58 pm on 27 September. On the basis of Udaya Tithi, the beginning of Pitru Paksha will be considered from 27th September 2026. During Pitru Paksha, a person performs Shraddha according to the date of death of his ancestors. For those people who do not know the death date of their ancestors, it is prescribed to perform Shraddha on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya.
Keep these things in mind while performing Shraddha
- In religious beliefs, the south direction is considered the direction of ancestors. Therefore, while performing tarpan and other rituals for the ancestors, special attention is paid to the south direction.
- On the date when your ancestor’s Shraddha is performed, it is considered auspicious to perform Pind Daan, Tarpan and other rituals during the prescribed Shraddha period.
- Special importance has been given to milk, Ganga water, honey, clothes, Kush and sesame seeds in Shraddha rituals. There is also a religious belief in using Tulsi Dal in Pind Daan.
- While offering tarpan, the person’s face should be towards south direction. According to religious beliefs, the south direction is considered related to ancestors.
- On the occasion of Shraddha, there is a tradition of providing food to the Brahmin with respect and giving Dakshina as per one’s capacity. This is considered an important part of Shraddha ritual.
- On the day of Shraddha, it is considered auspicious to prepare satvik food as per the choice of the ancestor who is being remembered. The tradition of not using garlic and onion in food is also prevalent in many families.
Pitru Paksha 2026 date
- 26 September 2026- Purnima Shraddha
- 27 September 2026- Pratipada Shraddha
- 28 September 2026- Dwitiya Shraddha
- 29 September 2026- Tritiya Shraddha
- 30 September 2026- Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha
- 1 October 2026- Shashthi Shraddha
- 2 October 2026- Saptami Shraddha
- 3 October 2026- Ashtami Shraddha
- 4 October 2026- Navami Shraddha
- 5 October 2026- Dashami Shraddha
- 6 October 2026- Ekadashi Shraddha
- 7 October 2026- Dwadashi Shraddha
- 8 October 2026- Trayodashi Shraddha
- 9 October 2026- Chaturdashi Shraddha
- 10 October 2026- Sarvapitri Shraddha