Pitru Paksha Calendar 2026: Date of the First Shraddha and Observance Rules

Sharadiya Navratri begins annually on the first lunar date of the Ashvin month. In 2026, this festival will start on October 11 and conclude on October 19. According to tradition, during these sacred days, worship is offered to nine different forms of Mother Durga. It is believed that the wishes of all devotees who observe the fast and worship the goddess with complete faith will be fulfilled.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashvin Shukla Pratipada date will begin on the evening of October 10 around 21:19 and last until 21:30 on October 11. However, according to the rising date, the first day of Navratri will be recognized as October 11. Following this, nine days will be dedicated to worshipping the nine different aspects of Mother Durga.

The auspicious time for installing the pot (Kalash Sthapana) on October 11 will be from 06:19 AM to 10:12 AM, providing approximately three hours and 52 minutes. Additionally, the installation of the pot is also possible during Abhijit Muhurta, from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM.

The festival calendar is as follows: October 11 — Maa Shailputri; October 12 — Maa Brahmacharini; October 13 — Maa Chandraganta; October 14 — Maa Kushmanda; October 15 — Maa Skandmata; October 16 — Maa Katyayani; October 17 — Maa Kalratri; October 18 — Maa Mahagauri; October 19 — Maa Siddhidatri.

The festival dedicated to Mother Durga begins with the installation of the pot on the Pratipada day. During the auspicious time, a statue or image of Mother Durga is placed on a platform, next to which the pot is placed. Water from the Ganges, a coin, incense (supari), and turmeric root are added to the pot, and it is covered with a coconut. The coconut is wrapped in a red scarf and then tied with a ritual thread (kalava).

The mouth of the pot is tied with Ashoka leaves and placed next to the goddess's altar. Then, a continuous fire (Akhand Jyoti) is lit before the goddess's altar, striving to keep it burning throughout the Navratri period. Daily, devotees take a bath, wear clean clothes, and perform ritual worship of the various forms of the goddess. Only sattvic food is consumed on these days, and the devotee may observe a fast by eating fruits or only water.

The Pitru Paksha period, also known as Mahalaya or Shraddha Paksha, is considered very significant in Hinduism. It represents a sacred period of 16 days dedicated to expressing respect, reverence, and gratitude to ancestors (Pitramas).

According to Drik Panchang, Pitru Paksha annually lasts from the full moon of the Bhadrapada month to the new moon of the Ashwin month. In the current year, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 27 and end on October 10 on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Pitru Paksha Dates 2026

According to Drik Panchang, the Pitru Paksha full moon will begin on September 25 at 23:06 and last until September 26 at 22:18.

Below is a list of important dates:

• Shraddha Full Moon — September 26, 2026, Saturday
• Pratipada Shraddha — September 27, 2026, Sunday
• Dwitiya Shraddha — September 28, 2026, Monday
• Tritiya Shraddha — September 29, 2026, Tuesday
• Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha — September 30, 2026, Wednesday
• Shashti Shraddha — October 1, 2026, Thursday
• Saptami Shraddha — October 2, 2026, Friday
• Ashtami Shraddha — October 3, 2026, Saturday
• Navami Shraddha — October 4, 2026, Sunday
• Dashami Shraddha — October 5, 2026, Monday
• Ekadashiya Shraddha — October 6, 2026, Tuesday
• Dwadashiya Shraddha — October 7, 2026, Wednesday
• Magha Shraddha — October 7, 2026, Wednesday
• Trayodashiya Shraddha — October 8, 2026, Thursday
• Chaturdashiya Shraddha — October 9, 2026, Friday
• Sarvapitri Amavasya — October 10, 2026, Saturday

How is the Shraddha ritual performed?

During Pitru Paksha, ancestor remembrance ceremonies are conducted during the day (in Kutup Kal) facing south. As part of this ritual, 'Tarpan' is performed by mixing water, black cumin, Gangajal, and milk in a copper vessel. Then, 'Pindam' made of barley or rice flour is offered.

After this, sattvic food is prepared, which is first given for Panchbali Bhoga (to birds, dogs, cows, God, and ants). Subsequently, the Brahmin is respectfully fed, being given clothes, food, and offerings to receive his blessings.

In 2026, the Hartalika Teej fast will be observed on September 14. This significant fast falls on a rare confluence of circumstances as it occurs on a Monday, which is Lord Shiva's favorite day. Additionally, Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated on this day. It is important to note that the influence of Bhadra will also be present during this period.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the date of Bhado Shukla Tritiya this year will begin on September 13 at 7:08 AM and conclude on September 14 at 7:06 AM. Based on the rising date, the Hartalika Teej fast will be observed on September 14, a Monday.

This year, the influence of Bhadra will be active during the Hartalika Teej fast. According to the Dik Panchang, Bhadra Kala will commence on September 14 at 7:20 PM and end on the following day, September 15, at 6:06 AM.

Some people are concerned that Bhadra Kala will be active during evening rituals and at the completion of the fast the next day. However, astrologers assert that this Bhadra will not be on the Earth's surface, so it will have no effect on the Hartalika Teej fast. Therefore, worship of the deities can be performed during Pradosha Kala on the evening of September 14, and the fast can be concluded during Abhijit Muhurta the following morning.

There are several auspicious time intervals for performing rituals: Brahma Muhurta—from 4:32 to 5:19 AM; Highest Muhurta—from 6:05 to 7:06 AM; Daytime Worship Muhurta—from 11:52 AM to 12:41 PM; and Evening Worship Muhurta—from 6:28 PM to 7:37 PM. The time for completing the fast is set from the sunrise on September 15 until 7:44 AM.

At the beginning of the day, after bathing, one should take the vow of fasting and worship. Proper worship of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati must be performed. Throughout the day, one should listen to mantras, participate in worship, and listen to stories. In the evening, using clay to create figures of Shiva and Parvati, and cow dung to create a figure of Ganesha, they should be worshipped during Pradosha Kala. On this day, married women should adorn themselves with sixteen types of ornaments and also bring ornaments for Mother Parvati. During the worship, new clothes, bamboo and Dlia baskets, ornaments, incense, lamps, offerings, fruits, and white sweets should be used. After this, Aarti should be performed for Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, the story of Hartalika Teej should be listened to, and the deities' mantras should be chanted.