Skip to main content
🪔
Festivals26 August 2026· 10 min read

Pitru Paksha 2026 — Complete Guide to Shradh Dates, Rituals, and Significance

Pitru Paksha 2026 begins September 7 and ends September 21 with Mahalaya Amavasya. Complete guide to all 16 Shradh dates, who performs on which day, correct rituals, what to avoid, and the astrological significance.

N
Nishi Pandey
AI & Vedic Astrology Researcher
Table of Contents▼

What is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors. It falls in the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada. Hindus perform Shradh — Tarpan (water libations), Pind Daan (rice ball offerings), and feeding Brahmins — to nourish the souls of departed ancestors and help them attain moksha.

🪔

Pitru Paksha 2026 — Key Dates

Starts: Sunday, 7 September 2026 (Purnima Shradh) Ends: Sunday, 21 September 2026 (Mahalaya Amavasya — most important day) Duration: 16 days Most important: 21 September — for all ancestors, especially those whose death tithi is unknown.

All 16 Shradh Dates 2026

7 Sep: Purnima Shradh | 8 Sep: Pratipada | 9 Sep: Dwitiya | 10 Sep: Tritiya | 11 Sep: Chaturthi (also for children) | 12 Sep: Panchami (also for unmarried) | 13 Sep: Shashthi | 14 Sep: Saptami | 15 Sep: Ashtami | 16 Sep: Navami — Avidhava Navami (wives who predeceased husbands) | 17 Sep: Dashami | 18 Sep: Ekadashi (ascetics, Vaishnavas) | 19 Sep: Dwadashi (Sanyasis) | 20 Sep: Trayodashi (youth) | 20 Sep: Chaturdashi (accidental deaths) | 21 Sep: Mahalaya Amavasya — for ALL ancestors.

Correct Shradh Rituals

Tarpan: Stand facing south with sesame seeds and water. Offer water while chanting the ancestor's name. Pind Daan: Cook rice mixed with sesame, barley, honey, ghee. Form balls (pindas) and offer with prayers. Feed Brahmins: Invite Brahmins to a meal on Shradh day. Best time: Kutup Muhurat — approximately 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

FAQ

Q.When is Pitru Paksha 2026?

Pitru Paksha 2026 begins September 7 and ends September 21, 2026 (Mahalaya Amavasya).

Q.What if I don't know the death tithi of my ancestor?

Perform Shradh on Mahalaya Amavasya — September 21, 2026. This day is specifically for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown.

Q.Can women perform Shradh?

Traditionally performed by the eldest son. When no male heir is available, daughters, wives, or other relatives may perform the rites.

#Pitru Paksha#Shradh 2026#Mahalaya#Ancestor Rituals#Hindu Festivals#Tarpan
✦

Get Personalised Guidance

Reading about astrology is one thing. Experiencing it through your own Kundali is another. Churki analyses your exact chart and gives you guidance specific to you — not a generic template.