Saturday, 26th September is the full moon date of Bhadrapada month. From this date, Pitru Paksha dedicated to the ancestors begins, in which people perform Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan and rituals etc. for the peace of the souls of their ancestors. Pitru Paksha will end on Sarvapitri Amavasya. Let us come to the importance of Pitru Paksha, dates and many beliefs related to it.
What is Pitru Paksha?
In Sanatan Dharma, it is the period of 16 days when our ancestors come to the earth from the ancestral world. Pitru Paksha is the festival of reverence, gratitude and debt-freedom for ancestors. Three debts have been mentioned in the Vedas. Dev debt, Rishi debt and Pitra debt. Through Shraddha we are freed from the debt of our ancestors. According to Garuda Purana and Manusmriti, unless the ancestors are satisfied, even the gods are not happy.
Shraddhaya diyate yatra tachhradham parikirti.
That is, whatever is given with devotion is Shraddha.
Bhadrapada Purnima and Pitripaksha start on 26th September
After Bhadrapada Purnima, when the Sun enters Virgo, then from Pratipada of Ashwin Krishna Paksha to Amavasya, the ancestors come from Pitralok to their descendants on earth. That is why it is called Ancestors’ Day. In Hindu religion, Pitru Paksha is considered a very important time dedicated to ancestors. Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan rituals are performed in the name of ancestors for 15 days. It is believed that during these days, by offering prayers to our ancestors as per rituals, our ancestors become pleased and their blessings remain with the family. It is said that with the blessings of ancestors, happiness and prosperity prevails in the house and prosperity comes in the family. This is the reason why during Pitru Paksha, people remember their ancestors and perform Shraddha and Tarpan in their name.
Pitru Paksha 2026 dates
Pitru Paksha will start from 26th September (Poornima Shraddha) and will continue till 10th October (Sarvapitri Amavasya). This year, due to the decay of Chaturthi and Panchami Tithi, both Shraddhas will be held on the same day on 30th September.
- 26 September, Saturday – Purnima Shraddha
- 27 September, Sunday – Pratipada Shraddha
- 28 September, Monday – Dwitiya Shraddha
- 29 September, Tuesday – Tritiya Shraddha, Mahabharani
- 30 September, Wednesday – Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha
- 1 October – Shashthi Shraddha
- 2 October – Saptami Shraddha
- 3 October – Ashtami Shraddha
- 4 October – Navami Shraddha (Matri Navami)
- 5 October – Dashami Shraddha
- 6 October – Ekadashi Shraddha
- 7 October – Dwadashi Shraddha, Magha Shraddha
- 8 October – Trayodashi Shraddha
- 9 October – Chaturdashi Shraddha
- 10 October, Saturday – Sarvapitri Amavasya
- Method of Shraddha and importance of Muhurta
- Time (Muhurat): Always perform Shraddha in the afternoon. The time after 12 noon is considered to be the time of ancestors.
- Kutup Muhurta: 11:48 to 12:36
- Rauhina Muhurta: 12:36 to 1:24
- PM Time: Best from 1:24 to 3:48
Method:
Take bath in the morning, wear clean clothes and face south. Taking kush, black sesame seeds, barley and Ganga water in hand, chant Tarpan mantra while invoking the ancestors. Om Pitriganaya Vidmahe Jagat Dharinyai Dhimahi Tanno Pitro Prachodayat. After this perform Pind Daan. Make pinda from cooked rice, black sesame seeds and honey. In Panchabali, it is mandatory to provide food for cow, dog, crow, deity and ant. After feeding the Brahmin, give donations as per your capacity.