Pitru Paksha, also referred to as Shradh Paksha, is a 16-day holy period in the Hindu lunar calendar devoted to showing respect and remembrance of the departed souls. The fortnight is marked by performing certain rituals, including Tarpan, Pind Daan and philanthropic deeds to pay tribute to one’s ancestors. Undertaking Shradh with utmost dedication is considered to ensure peace of the soul, blessings of the deities, and to solve Pitru dosha. Here is all that you should know about Pitru Paksha 2026.

Pitru Paksha 2026 Start Date And End Date

The beginning date for Pitru Paksha in 2026 is Saturday, September 26, with Purnima Shradh, while the last date is Saturday, October 10, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Shradh Dates And Important Tithis In 2026

Shradh is performed on the particular tithi (lunar day) that the departed soul was born:

  • Purnima Shradh (September 26): Performed for those who have died on a full moon day.

  • Pratipada Shradh (September 27): This Shradh is observed for maternal grandfathers and grandmothers (Nana-Nani) or simply for first-tithi Shradh.

  • Maha Bharani (September 29/October 8): Most auspicious phase of the nakshatra for Pind Daan.

  • Avidhava Navami/ Matru Navami (October 4): For mothers and married women who have died before their husbands.

  • Ekadashi Shradh (October 6): For saints and ascetics.

  • Chaturdashi Shradh (October 9): For family members who have died suddenly or unnaturally.

  • Sarva Pitru Amavasya (October 10): Most important day for Shradh of all ancestors whose exact date of death is not known.

    • Important Things To Know During Pitru Paksha

    • The performance of Shradh rituals needs to be done during the period of Kutup, Rauhin or Aparahna.

  • The offerings usually include kusha grass, til, barley, rice, water and also sattvic home-cooked food.

  • Some portion of the cooked food called Panchbali is offered to cows, dogs, crows, ants and Brahmins before the family eats the food.

    • Pitru Paksha Rituals, Dos And Don’ts

    Dos:

    • Do Tarpan daily using water and black sesame seeds facing south.

  • Feed cows, stray dogs, crows, and poor people daily.

  • Maintain peace and compassion at home.

    • Don’ts:

    • Auspicious ceremonies such as marriage ceremonies, house-warming (Griha Pravesh) or purchases of major possessions such as a car or property must be avoided.

  • Eating meat, drinking alcohol, onion and garlic, and smoking must be avoided.

  • Trimming hair, nails or beginning any new business venture must also be avoided.

    • Conclusion

    Pitru Paksha 2026 allows for some special days where one can pause and offer their thanks to the forefathers in a manner of worship and almsgiving. Through these rites, people pray for happiness, success, and harmony.

    Image credits: Freepik

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