In Hindu religion, the time of Pitru Paksha is considered very special to remember the ancestors, show one's reverence towards them and seek their blessings. During this time, family members perform Shraddha, Tarpan and charity according to the date of death of their ancestors. It is believed that these deeds done with a true heart bring peace to the souls of the ancestors. In the year 2026, Pitru Paksha is going to start from 27th September, which will end with Sarvapitri Amavasya on 10th October. At the same time, Shraddha of Purnima will be performed on 26th September. It is considered very important to follow some important rules and precautions while performing Shraddha rituals.
Do not perform Shraddha without knowing the exact date.
According to the rules of Shraddha, it is most important to keep in mind the date of death of the ancestor. There is a tradition of performing Shraddha on the date on which he died. However, if someone does not remember or know the exact date of death of his ancestor, then the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya is considered the most important for such people.
Be careful regarding Shraddha on Chaturdashi Tithi
According to religious beliefs and traditions, Shraddha on Chaturdashi Tithi in Pitru Paksha is not performed for normal death. In the scriptures, Chaturdashi Shraddha is specifically mentioned for those who lose their lives due to accident, violence or any other unusual circumstance on this date. In other general cases, Shraddha should always be performed as per the exact date of death.
Stay away from vindictive food and bad habits
During these 16 days of Pitru Paksha, there is a tradition in many homes to eat completely sattvik food. During this period, it is advised to completely stay away from non-vegetarian things like non-vegetarian food, eggs, garlic-onion and alcohol. Especially on the day when Shraddha is performed in your house, special care should be taken about the purity and sattvikta of the food.
All auspicious works are postponed during this period
Generally these days of Pitru Paksha are not considered auspicious for new or auspicious works. This is the reason why most families avoid organizing big and auspicious events like marriage, buying a new house or housewarming during this period. However, different areas and families may have their own local beliefs or traditions regarding this.
Avoid donating for show
Doing charity during the days of Shraddha is considered a great virtue, but it does not mean that you should spend a lot of money for show. Donation should always be done according to one's capability and capacity. If you wish, you can give food, grains, clothes or any other item needed to a needy person silently and with devotion. The real importance lies in the faith in your heart.
Take special care in a quiet environment at home
There is a religious belief that during Pitru Paksha the atmosphere of the house should be kept very calm and pleasant. On these days, ancestors are remembered, hence family members should try their best to avoid unnecessary fights, discord and tension among themselves so that positive energy remains in the house.
It is necessary to make offerings to the ancestors and feed the living beings.
The tradition of offering tarpan during Shraddha Paksha is very old and important. In this, offerings to ancestors are made using clean water and black sesame seeds. Apart from this, in many houses, cows, crows, dogs and ants are also given a share of the food during this period. This is also considered a very essential part of the entire Pitru Karma.
When is Sarvapitri Amavasya 2026?
This year, Sarvapitri Amavasya will be celebrated on 10 October 2026. This is the last and biggest day of Pitru Paksha. Those forgotten ancestors whose Shraddha date is not known to the family members, perform their Shraddha on this day. Apart from this, if someone has missed any date during Pitru Paksha, then his Shraddha can also be performed on this day.