Pitru Paksha 2026 at a Glance
Key dates from the supplied 2026 Shraddha calendar.
Lunar days of remembrance
Purnima Shraddha / beginning
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
The 16-Day Timeline for 2026
Pitru Paksha unfolds over lunar days, or tithis. Families traditionally perform Shraddha on the tithi associated with an ancestor's passing, while certain days have special observances.
Purnima Shraddha
Beginning of the period in this reference calendar.
Pratipada to Ashtami Shraddha
Tithi-based Shraddha observances continue through the first half of the fortnight.
Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami)
A special observance referenced for deceased mothers and married women who passed before their husbands.
Dashami to Trayodashi Shraddha
The tithi sequence continues through Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi and Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi Shraddha
The source identifies Chaturdashi as relevant for certain special cases.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
The concluding day, used for all ancestors when the specific tithi is unknown or was missed.
How to Find Your Shraddha Date
The source uses the ancestor's lunar tithi of passing as the main reference point, with special-case rules and Sarva Pitru Amavasya as the fallback when the tithi is unknown or missed.
1. Identify the ancestor's tithi
Determine the lunar day—such as Panchami or Dashami—on which the ancestor passed away.
2. Check special cases
The source associates Chaturdashi and Navami with certain special circumstances.
3. Match the tithi
If no special case applies, select the corresponding tithi in the Pitru Paksha calendar.
4. Unknown or missed tithi?
Use Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026 for all ancestors according to this guide.
Tarpan & Remembrance
Water offerings and remembrance are common elements in Shraddha practice, though details vary by family and region.
Food & Charity
Food offerings, feeding others and charity are customary components in many traditions and may be performed according to family practice.
Family Continuity
Pitru Paksha connects generations through remembrance of parents, grandparents and earlier ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pitru Paksha start and end in 2026?+
In this source calendar, Pitru Paksha begins with Purnima Shraddha on September 26, 2026 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?+
It is the final day of the period in this guide and is intended for all ancestors, especially when a specific tithi is unknown or was missed.
Do Shraddha customs vary?+
Yes. Family, regional and sampradaya traditions may differ. For ritual details or timing decisions, follow your family's established practice or consult a knowledgeable priest or calendar used by your tradition.
The Spiritual Significance of Pitru Paksha
The source presents Pitru Paksha as a sacred bridge between generations: a period for gratitude, remembrance and acknowledging the family legacy that shapes the present. Many families view Shraddha as an opportunity to honor ancestors and pray for peace, well-being and continuity across generations.