In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is considered a time for expressing reverence and gratitude to ancestors. During this period, people remember their deceased relatives and perform rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, Pindadan, and Dana to ensure their spiritual peace. Each date in Pitru Paksha holds significance, as traditionally Shraddha is performed on the ancestor's death anniversary. However, three dates throughout this period are considered particularly important.
Among the special dates of Pitru Paksha is Sharaddha Bharni, which is referred to as Mahabharani Sharaddha in some places. Due to its connection with Bharnika Nakshatra, this ritual holds special religious significance. According to traditions, it is customary in some families to perform Bharni Sharaddha after one year from the relative's death. This ritual is also considered special if an unmarried woman passes away. It should be noted that rules may vary depending on the region and local customs.
In 2026, Mahabharani Sharaddha falls on September 29th, when Tarpan and Shraddha rituals are customarily performed.
The ninth day of Pitru Paksha is called Matri Navmi. This day is dedicated to remembering deceased women from the family and the maternal line. On this day, there is a tradition of performing Shraddha and Tarpan for mothers, grandmothers, nannies, or other deceased women in the family. Therefore, it is also called Matri Sharaddha. If there is no clear information about the date of death of a female ancestor in the family, many traditions hold the belief that Shraddha should be performed for them on Navmi.
In 2026, Matri Navmi will take place on October 4th, and on this day, Dana and Shraddha can be performed in memory of female ancestors.
Sarvapitri Amavasya is considered one of the most important dates throughout Pitru Paksha. It is the last day of Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, Shraddha can be performed for all ancestors whose date of death is unknown to the family. Furthermore, according to tradition, if Shraddha was not performed on the designated day for any reason, it is performed on Sarvapitri Amavasya.
In 2026, Sarvapitri Amavasya will fall on October 10th and is considered the concluding day of Pitru Paksha.
This is not entirely accurate. Every date in Pitru Paksha is important. According to the general rule, Shraddha is performed on the same day the person passed away. For example, if an ancestor died on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), then Shraddha is performed on the eighth day of Pitru Paksha. The reason these three dates are named special is that they are associated with specific special traditions and beliefs, so knowing this is considered useful.
Many families lack precise information regarding the death dates of older generations. In such situations, there is no need to worry. In religious tradition, Sarvapitri Amavasya is considered a special moment for performing Shraddha for both known and unknown ancestors. On this day, the family can remember all its ancestors whose death dates are unavailable. Rituals such as Tarpan, Pindadan, feasting, and Dana are performed according to family traditions.
Below is the complete calendar for Pitru Paksha 2026:
- Pournima Sharaddha - September 26, 2026, Saturday
- Pratipada Tithi Sharaddha - September 27, 2026, Sunday
- Dwitiya Sharaddha - September 28, 2026, Monday
- Tritiya Sharaddha - September 29, 2026, Tuesday
- Chaturthi and Panchami Tithi Sharaddha - September 30, 2026, Wednesday
- Shashti Tithi Sharaddha - October 1, 2026, Thursday
- Saptami Tithi Sharaddha - October 2, 2026, Friday
- Ashti Tithi Sharaddha - October 3, 2026, Saturday
- Navmi Tithi Sharaddha - October 4, 2026, Sunday
- Dashami Tithi Sharaddha - October 5, 2026, Monday
- Ekadashi Tithi Sharaddha - October 6, 2026, Tuesday
- Dwadashi Tithi Sharaddha - October 7, 2026, Wednesday
- Magha Tithi Sharaddha - October 7, 2026, Wednesday
- Trayodashi Tithi Sharaddha - October 8, 2026, Thursday
- Chaturdashi Tithi Sharaddha - October 9, 2026, Friday
- Sarvapitri Amavasya - October 10, 2026, Saturday
