Bhadrapada Purnima Rishi Tarpan (2026): Today marks the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month, a day considered to signal the beginning of Pitru Paksha. However, the first *Shraddha* ritual will be performed tomorrow, September 27, on the first day (Pratipada) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Ashwin month. In Sanatan Dharma, Pitru Paksha is a sacred 16-day period dedicated to expressing gratitude and reverence towards one's ancestors. During this time, rituals such as *Tarpan*, *Shraddha*, and *Pinda Daan* are primarily performed to ensure peace for the souls of the ancestors. According to ancient beliefs, ancestors visit the earthly realm during these days and desire to receive food and water offerings from their descendants. Let us explore the dates and religious beliefs associated with *Shraddha Paksha*...

**Offering *Tarpan* to Sages (Rishis) on Bhadrapada Purnima**
On Bhadrapada Purnima, the *Tarpan* ritual is performed in the name of sages (*Rishis*) rather than ancestors (*Pitrus*). The established rule dictates that *Tarpan* for ancestors should be performed only after the *Tarpan* for sages; *Tarpan* for ancestors is considered incomplete or unsuccessful without the prior *Tarpan* for sages. For this initial day's ritual, ensure that the *Tarpan* takes place near a pond or a river. If there is no river or pond nearby, you may perform the ritual in your courtyard or on the terrace, specifically near a hand pump or a water tap.

**How ​​to Perform *Rishi Tarpan* on Purnima**
If you are performing the *Rishi Tarpan* on Bhadrapada Purnima, ensure that you do not wear stitched clothing during the ritual. The *Tarpan* for sages and ancestors is traditionally performed while wearing wet clothes immediately after bathing. You must hold white flowers, sesame seeds (*til*), and *Kusha* grass in your hand while performing the ritual. Do not use flowers of any color other than white during this *Tarpan* ceremony. Bhadrapada Purnima 2026 / Rishi Tarpan Shraddh – Today
Start of Purnima Tithi: September 25, 11:06 PM
End of Purnima Tithi: September 26, 10:18 PM

According to scriptures, the day on which the Purnima Tithi prevails during the evening is considered the day of Purnima. Consequently, the Purnima fast will be observed today, September 26. The Purnima Tithi lasts until 10:18 PM; thereafter, the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the Ashwin month begins, marking the commencement of *Pitru Paksha*.

Shraddh Rituals – September 27
Start of Ashwin *Pratipada Tithi*: September 26, 10:18 PM
End of Ashwin *Pratipada Tithi*: September 27, 8:58 PM
Therefore, the rituals for *Pitru Shraddh* (paying homage to ancestors) will take place tomorrow, Sunday, September 27.

Commencement of *Pitru Paksha* from *Pratipada Tithi*
*Pitru Paksha* always begins on the *Pratipada Tithi* of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin; this period is also known as *Shraddh Paksha*. This year, *Mahalaya* begins on Sunday, September 27, 2026. During this period, *Shraddh* rituals are performed in homes to ensure the peace and satisfaction of the ancestors' souls. *Pind Daan* holds special significance during this time. According to religious belief, performing *Pind Daan* and *Shraddh* rituals with proper rites and procedures brings relief from *Pitru Dosh* (ancestral affliction). *Pitru Paksha* concludes on the *Amavasya* (new moon day) of the Ashwin *Krishna Paksha*, known as *Sarvapitri Amavasya*.

Hindu Tithi (Date) during *Shraddh Paksha*
According to tradition, the *Shraddh* of a deceased person is performed during *Pitru Paksha* on the specific *Tithi* (lunar day) corresponding to the day of their passing. Therefore, the date for *Shraddha* is not determined solely by the English calendar; the Hindu lunar date is consulted. If the specific date of a relative's death is unknown, it is considered appropriate to determine the timing and rituals of *Shraddha* based on the local *Panchang* (almanac) and family traditions.

**Sarvapitri Amavasya on October 10**
October 10 marks the final day of *Pitri Paksha*, known as *Sarvapitri Amavasya* or *Mahalaya Amavasya*. There is a tradition of performing *Shraddha* on this day for ancestors whose specific death dates are unknown. *Sarvapitri Amavasya* is also considered significant if, for any reason, the *Shraddha* could not be performed on the scheduled date.

**Offering *Tarpan* to Ancestors Facing South**
The rituals performed with devotion during *Shraddha Paksha* include *Sankalp* (solemn vow), *Tarpan* (water offering), *Pind Daan* (offering of rice balls), the preparation and offering of *Sattvic* food, setting aside portions for cows, crows, and dogs, and acts of charity. During *Pitri Paksha*, *Tarpan* is offered to ancestors while facing south; this involves mixing black sesame seeds, barley, and *Kusha* grass into water to pray for the peace and contentment of their souls. Additionally, *Pind Daan* is performed on the specific death anniversary of the ancestors.

**Key *Shraddha* Dates for *Pitri Paksha* 2026**
September 26, Saturday – Purnima Shraddha
September 27, Sunday – Pratipada Shraddha
September 28, Monday – Dwitiya Shraddha
September 29, Tuesday – Tritiya Shraddha, Mahabharani
September 30, Wednesday – Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha

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