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Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates, Significance And Rituals Explained
Pitru Paksha is a special period when many Hindus remember and honour their ancestors.
In 2026, it starts on September 26 with Purnima Shraddha.
Pratipada Shraddha will be held on September 27.
The observance ends on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Families usually perform rituals on the lunar date connected to an ancestor’s death.
If that date is not known, they may perform the rites on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
The rituals can include offering water and sesame seeds, prayers, rice balls and food.
People may also feed others, help animals and donate essential items.
These practices are performed with gratitude and devotion according to family and regional customs.
Pitru Paksha 2026 begins with Purnima Shraddha on September 26.
Pratipada Shraddha will be observed on September 27, 2026.
The period concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, or Mahalaya Amavasya, on October 10.
Families traditionally perform Shraddha according to an ancestor’s death tithi; Sarva Pitru Amavasya is used when it is unknown.
Common practices include Tarpan, Shraddha, Pind Daan, Panchabali, food donation and charity.
- Who
- Hindu families and devotees honouring their departed ancestors.
- What
- Pitru Paksha, a period for ancestor remembrance and rituals, will be observed in 2026.
- Where
- At places where families perform the rites, with exact muhurat timings depending on location.
- When
- From September 26, 2026, through October 10, 2026; Pratipada Shraddha falls on September 27.
- Why
- According to Hindu beliefs, the observance expresses gratitude to ancestors and is believed to bring peace to departed souls and blessings to families.
Key facts
- Start date
- September 26, 2026, with Purnima Shraddha
- Pratipada Shraddha
- September 27, 2026
- End date
- October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya
- Pratipada tithi
- Begins at 10:18 pm on September 26 and ends at 8:58 pm on September 27
- Kutup Muhurat
- 11:48 am to 12:36 pm for September 27, subject to location
- Rohina Muhurat
- 12:36 pm to 1:24 pm for September 27, subject to location
- Main rituals
- Tarpan, Shraddha, Pind Daan, Panchabali, food donation and charity
Sources
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