Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Pitru Paksha 2026 Guide to Finding Shraddha Dates
Pitru Paksha is a special time when Hindu families remember their ancestors.
It begins on September 26, 2026, and lasts about 16 lunar days.
Families may offer food, water, and prayers during this time.
The Shraddha ceremony is usually held on the same lunar date, or tithi, when the ancestor died.
This date may not match the date on a regular calendar.
Local sunrise and Panchang information can help determine the correct day.
If the death date is unknown, families may observe Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Matru Navami, on October 4, is dedicated to certain deceased female relatives.
Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha Paksha, begins on September 26, 2026, and lasts about 16 lunar days.
Families traditionally perform Shraddha rituals by offering food, water, and prayers to departed ancestors.
The ritual date is generally based on the ancestor’s death tithi, or Hindu lunar date, rather than the Gregorian calendar date.
Because tithis can begin or end during a day, local sunrise and Panchang calculations may affect the exact date.
If the death tithi is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally used; Matru Navami falls on October 4, 2026, for certain female ancestors.
- Who
- Hindu families remembering and honouring departed ancestors.
- What
- A guide to selecting dates for Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha 2026.
- When
- Pitru Paksha begins on September 26, 2026; Matru Navami falls on October 4, 2026.
- Why
- To remember and honour ancestors through traditional Shraddha rituals and offerings.
- Period
- Pitru Paksha 2026
- Start date
- September 26, 2026
- Duration
- Around 16 lunar days
- Date basis
- The ancestor’s death tithi, or Hindu lunar date
- Unknown tithi
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya
- Matru Navami
- October 4, 2026
- Traditional offerings
- Food, water, and prayers