Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026: Date, Timings and Rituals
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is a day when many Hindu families remember relatives who have died.
In 2026, it falls on Saturday, October 10.
It is the last day of a 16-day period called Pitru Paksha.
Families may pray, offer water and black sesame seeds, and perform Shraddha rituals.
Some also prepare food or give to others in memory of their ancestors.
It can be especially useful when a family does not know the right day for a relative's remembrance.
Customs differ from family to family and from place to place.
The article advises checking a local Panchang because ritual timings can vary.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The Amavasya tithi begins at 9:35 p.m. IST on October 9 and ends at 9:19 p.m. IST on October 10, according to the New Delhi Panchang.
The observance marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period dedicated to remembering ancestors.
It is especially observed when a family's ancestor's death tithi is unknown or Shraddha rites were not performed earlier in Pitru Paksha.
Customary observances include prayers, tarpan with water and black sesame seeds, Shraddha rites, food offerings and charity.
- Who
- Hindu families observing rites in memory of their departed ancestors.
- What
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the concluding day of Pitru Paksha.
- When
- Saturday, October 10, 2026; the tithi runs from 9:35 p.m. IST on October 9 to 9:19 p.m. IST on October 10, according to the New Delhi Panchang.
- Where
- Observed by families; the cited tithi timings are for New Delhi.
- Why
- To honour and remember ancestors, including when their death tithi is unknown or rites were missed earlier in Pitru Paksha.
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Tithi begins
- 9:35 p.m. IST, Friday, October 9, 2026
- Tithi ends
- 9:19 p.m. IST, Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Timing reference
- Panchang timings for New Delhi; timings may vary by source and location.
- Other names
- Mahalaya Amavasya, Pitru Moksha Amavasya and Pitru Visarjani Amavasya
- Occasion
- Concluding day of the 16-day Pitru Paksha period
- Common observances
- Prayers, tarpan, Shraddha rituals, food offerings and charity