16
Lunar Days of Remembrance
Sep 26, 2026
Pitru Paksha Begins
Oct 10, 2026
Pitru Paksha Concludes
The 16-Day Timeline for 2026
Pitru Paksha unfolds over sixteen lunar days, or Tithis. Each day is an opportunity to perform Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on that specific Tithi. The timeline below maps each Tithi to its 2026 date.
Purnima Shraddha
Sep 26
Pratipada to Ashtami Shraddha
Sep 27 - Oct 3
Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami)
Oct 4
Dashami to Trayodashi Shraddha
Oct 5 - Oct 8
Chaturdashi Shraddha
Oct 9
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Oct 10
Anatomy of the Fortnight
While most days correspond to a standard lunar day (Tithi), several days have special significance for specific ancestors.
How to Find Your Shraddha Date: A Simple Guide
Finding the correct day is a straightforward process based on the lunar day, or Tithi, of an ancestor's passing. This flowchart breaks down the simple rules to follow.
Identify the Ancestor's Tithi
Determine the lunar day (e.g., Panchami, Dashami) on which they passed.
Check for Special Cases
Was it an unnatural death? (Use Chaturdashi). Was she a married woman who died before her husband? (Use Navami).
Match the Tithi
If no special case applies, find the corresponding Tithi in the Pitru Paksha calendar and perform Shraddha on that day.
Unknown Tithi?
If the Tithi is unknown, or you've missed the date, perform the rites for all ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
The Spiritual Significance
Pitru Paksha is a sacred bridge connecting generations. Performing Shraddha is an act of profound gratitude, believed to provide peace to the souls of ancestors and, in return, invite their blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being for the family. It is a time to honor our roots and acknowledge the legacy that shapes our present.