Pitru Paksha 2026 date: In Hindu religion, Pitru Paksha is considered a special period for expressing reverence and gratitude towards ancestors. During this time, the family remembers its deceased ancestors and performs religious rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan and charity. There is often confusion on the dates regarding Pitru Paksha in the year 2026, because Purnima Shraddha and Pratipada of Pitru Paksha are falling on different dates. According to the Panchang, Purnima Shraddha will take place on September 26, while the main period of Pitru Paksha will begin with Pratipada Shraddha from September 27. It will conclude with Sarvapitri Amavasya on 10th October.
Purnima Shraddha on 26th September, main period of Pitru Paksha from 27th
According to the Panchang, Purnima Shraddha is on 26 September 2026. Pratipada of Krishna Paksha will start from the next day i.e. 27th September. After this, Shraddha rituals will be performed according to the date of death of the ancestors. On October 10, on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya, Shraddha is also performed for those ancestors whose death date is not known.
Which Shraddha on which day?
- 26 September: Purnima Shraddha
- 27th September: Pratipada Shraddha
- 28 September: Dwitiya Shraddha
- 29 September: Tritiya Shraddha
- 30 September: Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha
- October 1: Shashthi Shraddha
- 2 October: Saptami Shraddha
- 3 October: Ashtami Shraddha
- 4 October: Navami Shraddha
- 5 October: Dashami Shraddha
- 6 October: Ekadashi Shraddha
- 7 October: Dwadashi Shraddha
- October 8: Trayodashi Shraddha
- 9 October: Chaturdashi Shraddha
- 10 October: Sarvapitri Amavasya
The special thing this year is that both Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha are being celebrated on 30th September. Therefore, it would not be right to decide the date of Shraddha just by counting the dates. It is better to confirm the date from the local Panchang as per the death date of your family ancestor.
What is the importance of Tarpan and Pind Daan?
There is a tradition of offering tarpan to ancestors during Pitru Paksha. According to religious belief, devotees mix black sesame seeds and Kush etc. in water and offer it while remembering their ancestors. Similarly, in Pind Daan, a ball is made from rice etc. and offered to the ancestors.
Tradition of donating and providing food
In Shraddha Paksha, the tradition of feeding the needy and doing charity as per one’s capacity is also mentioned. Especially on Sarvapitri Amavasya, remembering the ancestors and donating food is considered to have special significance. According to religious beliefs, the devotional actions performed during this time are a means of expressing respect and gratitude towards the ancestors.
What is special on Sarvapitri Amavasya?
Sarvapitri Amavasya will take place on 10 October 2026 and with this the Shraddha Paksha will end. This day is considered special for those ancestors whose Shraddha date is not known or whose Shraddha could not be performed on their scheduled date due to some reason.