Pitru Paksha 2026: Pitru Paksha holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. This period is dedicated to reverently remembering one's ancestors and performing rituals such as *Shraddha*, *Tarpan*, and *Pinda Daan*, as well as engaging in acts of charity. According to religious beliefs, remembering ancestors and performing these rituals according to prescribed rites during this period invokes their blessings. In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin in September and conclude in October with *Sarvapitra Amavasya*. Pitru Paksha is set to commence on September 26. Let us find out the dates for Pitru Paksha in 2026 and the significant *Shraddha* dates falling within this period.

When will Pitru Paksha 2026 begin?

In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on Saturday, September 26. On this day, the *Shraddha* for *Bhadrapada Purnima Tithi* will be performed. The following day, September 27, will mark the *Shraddha* for *Pratipada Tithi*. Pitru Paksha will conclude on Saturday, October 10, with *Sarvapitra Amavasya*. This day is dedicated to performing *Shraddha* for all ancestors whose specific *Shraddha* dates are unknown or for whom the ritual could not be performed on their designated dates for some reason. 

Pitru Paksha 2026 Calendar

26 September

Saturday

Bhadrapada Purnima

Purnima Shraddha

27 September

Sunday

Pratipada

Pratipada Shraddha

28 September

Monday

Dwitiya

Dwitiya Shraddha

29 September

Tuesday

Tritiya

Tritiya Shraddha

30 September

Wednesday

Chaturthi

Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha

1 October

Thursday

Shashthi

Shashthi Shraddha

2 October

Friday

Saptami

Saptami Shraddha

3 October

Saturday

Ashtami

Ashtami Shraddha

4 October

Sunday

Navami

Navami Shraddha

5 October

Monday

Dashami

Dashami Shraddha

6 October

Tuesday

Ekadashi

Ekadashi Shraddha

7 October

Wednesday

Dwadashi

Dwadashi Shraddha

8 October

Thursday

Trayodashi

Trayodashi Shraddha

9 October

Friday

Chaturdashi

Chaturdashi Shraddha

10 October

Saturday

Amavasya

Sarvapitra Shraddha

On which day should the Shraddha of ancestors be performed?

According to Hindu beliefs and scriptures, it is considered appropriate to perform the Shraddha of an ancestor or family member on the specific lunar day (Tithi) on which they passed away. For instance, if a person died on the Pratipada Tithi, their Shraddha is performed on the day of Pratipada during Pitru Paksha.

Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha on the same day

During Pitru Paksha 2026, the Shraddha for both Chaturthi and Panchami Tithis will fall on the same day—Wednesday, 30 September. Therefore, the Shraddha rituals for ancestors who passed away on either the Chaturthi or Panchami Tithi will be performed on this day. Knowing the exact date of death is considered particularly important when determining the Shraddha date during Pitru Paksha. Significance of Matru Navami
The ninth day (Navami Tithi) of Pitru Paksha holds special significance. Matru Navami falls on October 4th. On this day, it is customary to perform *Shraddha*, *Tarpan*, and *Pind Daan* for the deceased mothers and women of the family. It is believed that rituals performed with devotion on this day serve to honor and remember the ancestors from the maternal lineage.

Sarvapitri Amavasya for Those with Unknown Dates of Death
If the date of an ancestor's death is unknown, or if the *Shraddha* ritual could not be performed on the scheduled date for some reason, then Sarvapitri Amavasya is considered a significant day. In the year 2026, Sarvapitri Amavasya will fall on October 10th. On this day, *Shraddha* and *Tarpan* can be performed for all such ancestors.

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