Pitru Paksha 2026: Shraddha Ritual for Dvitiya Tithi to be held on September 28; Information on Best Time and Methods of Tarpan and Pindandan

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is approaching. According to beliefs, performing the proper Shraddha ritual during this period brings peace to the souls of ancestors. Currently, there is some confusion among people regarding the start dates of Pitru Paksha, as some sources indicate September 26th, while others state September 27th.

According to astrologer Pravin Mishra, Pitru Paksha in 2026 will run from September 26th to October 10th. On September 26th, Shraddha will be performed on the full moon day of the Bhadrapada month, which applies to those whose ancestors passed away on that day. Following this, September 27th is considered the official start of Pitru Paksha, as it will be the first date of the Ashvina lunar month in the waning phase of the Moon.

The conclusion of Pitru Paksha will take place on October 10th, on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya. On this day, the Shraddha ritual is permitted for all ancestors whose date of death is unknown. Traditionally, it is believed that if the exact date of death or Shraddha of an ancestor is forgotten, they should be honored on the day of Sarvapitri Amavasya.

During Pitru Paksha, it is customary to respectfully remember ancestors. During this period, Shraddha, Tarpan, Pindadaan rituals are conducted, and food donations are made. If for any reason it is impossible to perform the ritual according to tradition, it is recommended to donate food or products to those in need according to one's means. Items that can be donated include rice, lentils, flour, salt, fruits, vegetables, ghee, maple syrup, and clothing.

During Pitru Paksha, it is advised to refrain from holding auspicious events such as weddings, engagements, housewarmings, or starting a new business. There is also a tradition of refraining from purchasing new real estate and vehicles. Many people also prefer not to buy new clothes during this period. It should be noted that all these recommendations are related to religious beliefs and traditions.

According to the calendar, Shraddha on the full moon day falls on September 26, 2026 (Saturday). Shraddha on the first date of the lunar month will take place on September 27, 2026 (Sunday). Subsequently, dates for Shraddha on the second, third, fourth, and fifth dates are from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The sixth day of Shraddha is scheduled for October 1, 2026 (Thursday), and the seventh for October 2, 2026 (Friday).

The dates for the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days of Shraddha are October 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. It is also noted that Shraddha for the Magha date will take place on October 7, 2026 (Wednesday). The dates for the thirteenth and fourteenth days of Shraddha are October 8 and 9, 2026. The Sarvapitri Amavasya period concludes on October 10, 2026 (Saturday).

Parivartini Ekadashi is observed in the month of Bhadrapada, during Shukla Paksha, as Ekadashi. This festival is also known as Padma Ekadashi and Jayanti Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, observing this fast helps rid oneself of sins committed intentionally or unintentionally. On this day, worship is performed to Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Special significance is given to worshipping Lord Ganesha and Shrihari during Ganesh Mahotsava.

The date of Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada will begin on the evening of September 21st at 20:01 and last until 21:43 on September 22nd. According to the rising date, the Parivartini Ekadashi fast will be observed on Tuesday, September 22nd. It is believed that honoring Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on this day brings special merits. This fast is also considered beneficial for those who desire progeny and financial well-being.

On this day, Brahma Muhurta will start at 4:35 AM and last until 5:22 AM, during which one can bathe and decide whether to observe the fast. The auspicious time for worshipping Lord Shrihari is set from 9:11 AM to 1:45 PM. The completion of the fast is scheduled for the next day, September 23, 2026. Fasting individuals can break the fast anytime between 6:10 AM and 8:35 AM after performing all rituals.

It is necessary to take a bath early in the morning and offer water to the Sun god. Then, dressed in yellow clothes, one should worship the gods Ganesha and Vishnu. First, Modak and Durva are offered to Ganesha. After that, yellow flowers, Panchamrit, and Tulsi leaves are offered to Lord Shrihari. During worship, mantras should be recited first to Ganesha, and then to Vishnu. On this day, it is also recommended to donate to needy people according to one's means—water, grains, clothing, footwear, or umbrellas. During the fast, consuming solid food is prohibited; traditionally, the fast is observed on fruits or water.

Special practices exist to achieve different goals. If a person desires progeny, they can offer Modak to Ganesha in a quantity equal to their age on Parivartini Ekadashi, and also recite Shantan Ganapati. Additionally, one can repeat the mantra 'Om Umaputray Namah'. To attract financial success, it is recommended to offer a mouse made of clay or metal to Ganesha, and also offer yellow flowers and yellow prasad. After this, one must repeat the mantra 'Om Shrim Saumyai Saubhagyay Gam Ganapataye Namah' 108 times, and then place the mouse in the money storage area.

To achieve business success, one should create a small statue of Ganesha from turmeric. Then, Modak, Durva, and Belapatra are offered to Ganesha. Upon completion of the ritual, this turmeric statue is placed in the place of business. It is believed that this promotes success in trade.

The tradition of performing Vishwakarma Puja annually coincides with the festival of kanya sankranti. According to beliefs, Kanya Sankranti occurs when the Sun enters the sign of Virgo accompanied by its friend Budha. On this day, a ritual of worship to the god Vishwakarma is also described, who is considered the creator of all things and the master. Worshiping Vishwakarma on this day promotes progress in business, protects machinery, and attracts positive energy to the workplace. This year, Vishwakarma Puja will take place on September 17th.

According to the Vedic Panchang, the Sun will enter the sign of Virgo on September 17th at 7:58 AM. Therefore, Vishwakarma Puja will be valid on September 17th, Thursday.

There are several auspicious time intervals for conducting morning, daytime, and evening services. The morning service is auspicious from 07:58 to 10:43 AM. The daytime service is scheduled from 12:15 to 13:48. The evening service can be performed from 16:52 to 18:24.

It is important to avoid performing rituals during Rahu Kala, which falls on the afternoon of September 17th. During this time, from 13:48 to 15:20, one should refrain from any auspicious or ceremonial activities.

Sacred scriptures detail specific methods of worship and performing Homa to the god Vishwakarma. To begin, it is necessary to install a statue of Vishwakarma on a pedestal. Then, tools or equipment related to your work are placed around it. After that, holding flowers and akshata, the worship mantra is recited, and akshata is scattered in all directions. Next, flowers are offered into a vessel of water, and one must concentrate on the image of Vishwakarma.

After this, a lamp made of ghee is lit before the god Vishwakarma. An oath must be taken while holding water, flowers, and supari. Then, the shape of an eight-petaled lotus is drawn near the place of worship, and water is poured onto it. Panchpallav, sapta mrittika, supari, and dakshina must be placed in the water vessel. Following this, flowers, fruits, and sweets are offered to Lord Vishnu, and the ritual is completed according to established rules. Upon concluding the ceremony, one must recite Vishwakarma mantras and listen to stories about him.