Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Pitru Paksha 2026: Shradh Rituals, Dates and Significance
Pitru Paksha is a time when many Hindus remember and honour family members who have died.
Families pray and make offerings for their ancestors.
Some pour water as part of a ritual called Tarpan.
They may prepare food and offer it to priests or people in need.
Some families also perform Pind Daan using rice and other ingredients.
The article says the period ends on October 10, 2026.
It gives two different start dates, September 26 and September 27.
Its final day is called Sarva Pitru Amavasya, when families may pray for ancestors whose death date is not known.
The article says the observance expresses gratitude and connects generations.
The article describes Pitru Paksha as a Hindu period for honouring and remembering ancestors.
It gives two different start dates: September 26 in its opening, and September 27 in a later section; both say the period ends October 10, 2026.
The period concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, for prayers to ancestors whose death date or tithi is unknown.
Common observances include Tarpan water offerings, prayers, food offerings and, in some traditions, Pind Daan.
Families may give food, clothing and other essentials to Brahmins, priests or people in need.
- Who
- Hindus and families observing Pitru Paksha.
- What
- A period of ancestor remembrance involving Shradh, Tarpan and other offerings.
- When
- In 2026, the article gives September 26 and September 27 as alternative start dates, and October 10 as the end date.
- Why
- To honour ancestors, express gratitude, and pray for their peace and spiritual well-being.
- Observance
- Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha.
- Year
- 2026.
- Start date stated
- September 26 in the introduction; September 27 in the later section.
- End date
- October 10, 2026.
- Concluding observance
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya.
- Common rituals
- Tarpan, prayers, food offerings and, in some traditions, Pind Daan.
- Charitable giving
- Some families donate food, clothes and other essentials to people in need.