Pitru Paksha 2026 — 16 Days of Ancestor Rituals
పితృ పక్షం 2026 — శ్రాద్ధ తేదీలు
September 26 – October 10, 2026 · Mahalaya Amavasya: October 10
Pitru Paksha 2026 begins on Saturday, September 26, 2026 (Purnima Shraddha) and concludes on Saturday, October 10, 2026 (Mahalaya Amavasya). During these 16 days, Hindu families perform tarpana, pinda dan, and shraddha rituals for departed ancestors. Each tithi within this period is dedicated to ancestors who died on that lunar day. Mahalaya Amavasya — the final day — is the most powerful, when offerings are made to all ancestors simultaneously.
Pitru Paksha 2026 — Tithi-wise Calendar
| Date | Tithi | Shraddha Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-26 | Purnima | Purnima Shraddha (Pratham) |
| 2026-09-27 | Krishna Pratipada | Pratipada Shraddha |
| 2026-09-28 | Krishna Dwitiya | Dwitiya Shraddha |
| 2026-09-29 | Krishna Tritiya | Tritiya Shraddha · Maha Bharani |
| 2026-09-30 | Krishna Chaturthi / Panchami | Chaturthi & Panchami Shraddha |
| 2026-10-01 | Krishna Shashthi | Shashthi Shraddha |
| 2026-10-02 | Krishna Saptami | Saptami Shraddha |
| 2026-10-03 | Krishna Ashtami | Ashtami Shraddha |
| 2026-10-04 | Krishna Navami | Navami Shraddha (Matri Navami) |
| 2026-10-05 | Krishna Dashami | Dashami Shraddha |
| 2026-10-06 | Krishna Ekadashi | Ekadashi Shraddha |
| 2026-10-07 | Krishna Dwadashi | Dwadashi Shraddha · Magha Shraddha |
| 2026-10-08 | Krishna Trayodashi | Trayodashi Shraddha |
| 2026-10-09 | Krishna Chaturdashi | Chaturdashi Shraddha (Ghata) |
| 2026-10-10 | Amavasya | Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) |
How to Perform Shraddha
1. Pre-dawn bathing: Take a sacred bath. Wear a clean dhoti (men) or sari (women).
2. Sankalpa: Take a vow with name, gotra, and the ancestor's name and tithi.
3. Tarpana: Face south. Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and durva grass through your right palm to your ancestors, calling them by name.
4. Pinda Dan: Make 3 rice balls (cooked rice mixed with black sesame, ghee, honey, milk). Offer one each to: father (pita), grandfather (pita-maha), great-grandfather (pra-pita-maha).
5. Brahmin Bhojan: Feed at least one Brahmin or needy person with a full meal (preferably including kheer/pudding).
6. Dakshina: Offer dakshina (monetary gift) to the Brahmin.
7. Donation: Donate clothes, food, or money in the ancestor's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day Hindu period dedicated to honoring departed ancestors (pitru). It spans the waning fortnight that ends on Mahalaya (Sarva Pitru) Amavasya — in 2026, 26 September to 10 October. During this period, families perform tarpana (water offerings), pinda dan (rice ball offerings), and shraddha (ritual feeding of Brahmins) for their deceased relatives.
When is Mahalaya Amavasya 2026?
Mahalaya Amavasya 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10 — the concluding and most powerful day of Pitru Paksha. On this day, all ancestors of all forefathers (sarva pitru) receive offerings simultaneously. It is the most universally observed pitru day of the year.
On which day should I perform Shraddha?
Perform shraddha on the tithi (lunar day) corresponding to the deceased's passing. For example, if your father passed on a Krishna Saptami, perform his shraddha on Saptami Shraddha day = October 2, 2026. If you don't know the tithi, perform on Mahalaya Amavasya.
Can a daughter perform Shraddha?
Traditionally shraddha is performed by sons. However, modern interpretations and many shastra references (including the Garuda Purana) allow daughters to perform pinda dan when no sons are present. If you have a son who can perform, follow tradition; if not, daughters or grandsons may perform.
What rituals are performed during Pitru Paksha?
(1) Daily Tarpana — offer water with black sesame seeds and barley to ancestors, facing south. (2) Pinda Dan — offer 3 rice balls (one each for father, grandfather, great-grandfather). (3) Brahmin Bhojan — feed at least one Brahmin or needy person on the tithi. (4) Donation — give clothes, food, money in the ancestors' name. (5) Avoid major new beginnings during these 16 days.