September 23, 10:01Aaj Tak

Pitru Paksha Dates 2026: Beginning and End of Ancestor Worship Period

In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is considered the most sacred time to express deep respect and gratitude to ancestors. During these sixteen days, which fall in the dark fortnight of the Ashwin month, people perform rituals such as pindadana, tarpana, and charity to ensure peace, satisfaction, and receive the blessings of their ancestors' souls.

In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 26, 2026 (Saturday) with Pournima Shraddha and conclude on October 10, 2026 (Saturday) on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya. Since there are no date reductions this year, the Shraddha period will be observed for the full 16 days while adhering to all traditions and rules.

Shraddha Period in 2026

According to the calendar, Pournima Shraddha will start on September 26, 2026 (Saturday), and the first date, Pratipada Shraddha, falls on September 27, 2026 (Sunday). The entire period concludes on October 10, 2026 (Saturday) with Sarvapitri Amavasya.

From an astrological perspective, this period, beginning and ending on a Saturday, is considered particularly auspicious. Saturday is regarded as an ideal day to receive grace from both the deity Shani and the ancestors.

Auspicious Times for Shraddha and Tarpana (Kutap and Rohini Kala)

According to sacred scriptures, the rituals of tarpana and pindadana for ancestors should be performed exclusively during the daytime. For this purpose, Kutap and Rohini Kala have been specifically designated as the best moments:

Kutap Muhurta: from 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM
Rohini Muhurta: from 12:24 PM to 1:12 PM
Aprachahar Kala: from 1:12 PM to 3:36 PM

Full List of Shraddha Dates in 2026

Below is the complete list of dates for performing Shraddha:

Pournima Shraddha - September 26, 2026, Saturday
Pratipada Tithi Shraddha - September 27, 2026, Sunday
Dwitiya Shraddha - September 28, 2026, Monday
Tritiya Shraddha - September 29, 2026, Tuesday
Chaturthi and Panchami Tithi Shraddha - September 30, 2026, Wednesday
Shashthi Tithi Shraddha - October 1, 2026, Thursday
Saptami Tithi Shraddha - October 2, 2026, Friday
Ashtami Tithi Shraddha - October 3, 2026, Saturday
Navami Tithi Shraddha - October 4, 2026, Sunday
Dashami Tithi Shraddha - October 5, 2026, Monday
Ekadashi Tithi Shraddha - October 6, 2026, Tuesday
Dwadashi Tithi Shraddha - October 7, 2026, Wednesday
Magha Tithi Shraddha - October 7, 2026, Wednesday
Trayodashi Tithi Shraddha - October 8, 2026, Thursday
Chaturdashi Tithi Shraddha - October 9, 2026, Friday
Sarvapitri Amavasya - October 10, 2026, Saturday

Main Rules for Performing Shraddha Rituals, Including Panchbali and Tarpan

On the day of Shraddha, after preparing food, it is necessary to first set aside a portion for Panchbali (which includes a cow, dog, crow, deity, and ant). According to belief, the food offered to these creatures directly reaches the ancestors.

When offering tributes to the ancestors (Jalandjali), pure water, a little raw milk, water from the Ganges, and black seeds should be used in a copper vessel. When performing tarpana, one must hold a kusha in the ring finger of the right hand.

Throughout all sixteen days, a completely sattvic atmosphere must be maintained in the house, avoiding the consumption of garlic, onion, meat, and alcohol. Furthermore, disrespect should not be shown to any destitute person or animal that comes to the house.

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www.aajtak.inSeptember 22, 16:01

What is Tripindi Shraddha during Pitr Paksha 2026: Timeline and Significance of the Ritual

Pitr Paksha 2026 will begin on September 26. During this period, there is a tradition of performing shraddhas in memory of ancestors. Among these rituals, special attention is given to the Tripindi Shraddha.

Tripindi Shraddha is a ritual where pindas are offered to ancestors from three generations: father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. This rite is considered an important means of eliminating problems related to ancestral sin (Pitru Dosha). Furthermore, it is noted that Tripindi Shraddha brings relief from domestic conflicts, obstacles in work, and financial difficulties.

According to classical beliefs, various family problems can be linked to the dissatisfaction of ancestors or ancestral sin. It is believed that constant baseless quarrels at home or sudden failures in business may indicate the presence of such ancestral sin. Financial crises and frequent accidents are also often associated with this phenomenon. It is asserted that if ancestors from three generations are displeased, such difficulties arise in people's lives, so the Tripindi Shraddha is performed to rid them of these issues.

As part of the Tripindi Shraddha, three pindas are prepared, which are then offered to ancestors from three generations. The names and gotras of the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are remembered. Ingredients used to make the pindas include rice, milk, panchmava (a mixture of nuts), yogurt, black seeds, and kusha. The pindas can also be prepared by boiling rice in milk. After this, three altars are set up, on which leaves are placed, and the pindas are placed upon them.

During the offering of the pindas, it is recommended to offer the pindas through the area between the thumb and index finger, as this point is called Pitru Stan. While remembering the names and gotras of the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all three pindas are placed on separate altars. Upon completion of the ritual, all three pindas are gathered together and then fed to a cow. This procedure is a prayer for the nourishment of the three generations of ancestors.

www.aajtak.inSeptember 15, 08:02

Pitru Paksha Dates 2026: Beginning and End of Ancestor Remembrance Period and Shraddha Ritual Schedule

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.