Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Pitru Paksha Ekadashi 2026: Significance, Rituals and Date Discrepancy
Pitru Paksha is a time when many Hindu families remember their ancestors.
One important day during this period is called Pitru Paksha Ekadashi or Indira Ekadashi.
People may fast and pray to Lord Vishnu.
They may also offer water to ancestors and perform other remembrance rituals.
Giving food or useful items to people in need is considered auspicious.
Some people avoid grains and pulses while fasting.
The article gives two different dates for 2026: September 6 and October 6.
Its detailed timing information points to October 6, but the date discrepancy is not resolved in the article.
Pitru Paksha Ekadashi, also called Indira Ekadashi, falls during the 16-day period for remembering ancestors.
The article first gives September 6, 2026, as the observance date, but later identifies it as October 6.
It lists the Ekadashi tithi as beginning October 6 at 5:37 a.m. and ending October 7 at 4:04 a.m.
Devotees may fast, pray to Lord Vishnu, and perform tarpan or Shraddha rites for ancestors.
Charity and avoiding grains or pulses are described as customary, with practices varying by family and region.
- Who
- Hindu devotees and families observing Pitru Paksha Ekadashi.
- What
- A fasting and ancestor-remembrance observance also known as Indira Ekadashi.
- When
- The article gives September 6, 2026, in one place, but later says October 6, 2026; it lists the tithi from October 6 at 5:37 a.m. to October 7 at 4:04 a.m.
- Why
- To remember ancestors and, according to Hindu beliefs, seek their blessings, peace, and liberation.
- Alternate name
- Indira Ekadashi
- Relationship to Pitru Paksha
- The article describes it as the Ekadashi observance during the 16-day ancestor-remembrance period.
- Date discrepancy
- The article says September 6, 2026, in one section and October 6, 2026, in another.
- Tithi begins
- October 6, 2026, at 5:37 a.m., according to the article's cited Drik Panchang timings.
- Tithi ends
- October 7, 2026, at 4:04 a.m.
- Parana time listed
- October 7, 12:38 p.m. to 2:58 p.m.
- Common observances
- Fasting, prayers to Lord Vishnu, tarpan, Shraddha rites, and charitable giving.