Festivals
Pitru Paksha 2026: Start & End Date, Shradh Rituals…
Pitru Paksha 2026
🌑 Pitru Paksha 2026 – Dates, Rituals, Tithi List & Significance
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha (literally “Fortnight of the Ancestors”) is a 16-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring our ancestors (Pitrs). Falling in the month of Bhadrapada (September-October), this period is crucial for performing Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan to express gratitude and seek blessings from departed souls.
According to Vedic scriptures, during these 16 days, the souls of our ancestors descend from Pitru Loka to Earth to visit their families. Offering them food and water liberates them and brings peace, prosperity, and lineage growth to the living family.
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Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates
In 2026, Pitru Paksha will be observed from Sunday, September 27, 2026 to Saturday, October 10, 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pitru Paksha Begins (Pratipada Shradh) |
September 27, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Pitru Paksha Ends (Mahalaya Amavasya) |
October 10, 2026 (Saturday) |
Pitru Paksha 2026 Tithi Calendar
Shradh should be performed on the specific Tithi (lunar day) on which the ancestor passed away. Here is the complete list for 2026:
| Date | Day | Shradh Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Sept 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada Shradh |
| 28 Sept 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya Shradh |
| 29 Sept 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya Shradh |
| 30 Sept 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi Shradh |
| 01 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Panchami Shradh |
| 02 Oct 2026 | Friday | Shashthi Shradh |
| 03 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Saptami Shradh |
| 04 Oct 2026 | Sunday | Ashtami Shradh |
| 05 Oct 2026 | Monday | Navami Shradh |
| 06 Oct 2026 | Tuesday | Dashami Shradh |
| 07 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Ekadashi Shradh |
| 08 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Dwadashi Shradh |
| 09 Oct 2026 | Friday | Trayodashi / Chaturdashi Shradh |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya) |
Significance & Legend of Karna
The Legend of Karna: In the Mahabharata, when Karna died and his soul reached heaven, he was offered gold and jewels as food. Confused, he asked Indra why he wasn’t given real food. Indra explained that while Karna had donated gold all his life, he never offered food to his ancestors. Karna was allowed to return to Earth for 16 days to perform Shradh and donate food. This 16-day period is now observed as Pitru Paksha.
Key Rituals of Shradh
- Tarpan: Offering water mixed with black sesame seeds (Til), barley, and Kusha grass to the ancestors.
- Pind Daan: Offering balls of cooked rice and ghee to the souls to help them attain salvation (Moksha).
- Brahman Bhoj: Feeding Brahmins is considered essential as it reaches the ancestors through them.
- Feeding Animals: Food is also offered to cows, dogs, and crows.
Do’s and Don’ts During Pitru Paksha
✅ Do’s:
- Perform Tarpan daily with water and black til.
- Maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere at home.
- Donate food and clothes to the needy.
- Maintain celibacy and eat Satvik food.
🚫 Don’ts:
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onions, and garlic.
- Do not buy new clothes, jewelry, or vehicles.
- Avoid cutting hair or shaving (for the person performing Shradh).
- Do not start new business ventures or auspicious ceremonies like marriages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pitru Paksha 2026 begins on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Routine daily pujas can be continued. However, auspicious ceremonies like weddings, griha pravesh, or buying new items are avoided. Special Shradh pujas are highly recommended.
It is the last day of Pitru Paksha (October 10, 2026). On this day, Shradh can be performed for all ancestors, known or unknown, and those whose death dates are forgotten.
