In Sanatan tradition, Pitru Paksha is considered a special occasion to express reverence and gratitude towards one's ancestors. During this period, family members remember their departed ancestors and perform religious rituals—such as *Tarpan*, *Pind Daan*, *Shraddha*, and acts of charity—to pray for the peace of their souls. It is believed that performing *Shraddha* and *Tarpan* during Pitru Paksha invokes the blessings of the ancestors and ensures peace and happiness within the family. Consequently, as Pitru Paksha approaches, a question has arisen in people's minds: will Pitru Paksha begin on September 26 or September 27 in 2026? Let us find the answer from Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, an astrologer from Deoghar.

What does the astrologer from Deoghar say?
According to Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, a renowned astrologer from Deoghar, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 27 this year. He explained that September 26 marks *Bhadrapada Purnima* (the full moon day of the Bhadrapada month). Once the *Purnima* *tithi* (lunar day) concludes, the *Pratipada* *tithi* of the *Ashwin Krishna Paksha* (the dark fortnight of the Ashwin month) begins the following day—September 27—marking the commencement of Pitru Paksha. Therefore, for those uncertain whether it starts on the 26th or the 27th, September 27 is the significant date. The astrologer notes that during this time, people can perform *Shraddha* and *Tarpan* for their ancestors in accordance with their family traditions and personal means.

These 15 days are dedicated to the ancestors
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal stated that while most days of the year are dedicated to the worship of deities and religious rituals, Pitru Paksha is specifically dedicated to one's ancestors. Families that follow the tradition of performing *Shraddha* rituals for their ancestors should perform *Tarpan* according to the prescribed rites during this period. According to religious belief, this satisfies the ancestors and ensures their continued blessings upon the family. Performing *Tarpan* and *Shraddha* during this time is considered particularly important for those concerned with spiritual issues such as *Pitru Dosh* (ancestral affliction). 

Pitru Paksha to be observed from September 27 to October 10
This year, the observance of Pitru Paksha will span from September 27 to October 10. The *Pratipada Shraddha* will take place on September 27, followed by *Dwitiya Shraddha* on September 28 and *Tritiya Shraddha* on September 29. September 30 will mark both *Chaturthi* and *Panchami Shraddha*. Subsequently, *Shashthi Shraddha* will be observed on October 1, *Saptami* on October 2, *Ashtami* on October 3, and *Navami* on October 4. *Dashami Shraddha* will be performed on October 5, *Ekadashi* on October 6, *Dwadashi* on October 7, and *Trayodashi* on October 8. Finally, *Chaturdashi Shraddha* will take place on October 9, and the period will conclude on October 10 with *Sarvapitra Amavasya*.

Perform *Shraddha* and *Tarpan* for ancestors during Pitru Paksha
During Pitru Paksha, people perform *Shraddha* rituals based on the specific dates of their ancestors' passing. *Sarvapitra Amavasya* is considered a significant day for those ancestors whose date of death is unknown; on this day, a large number of people perform *Tarpan* (offering water), *Pind Daan* (offering rice balls), and acts of charity. Thus, the schedule for Pitru Paksha in 2026 is clear: *Purnima* falls on September 26, Pitru Paksha begins on September 27, and it concludes on October 10 with *Sarvapitra Amavasya*.

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