Quick answer: Pitru Paksha 2026 is observed from Saturday, 26 September 2026 to Saturday, 10 October 2026. The final day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, is especially important for families who do not know the exact death tithi of an ancestor.
Plan your Pitru Paksha booking
Seasonal guide pages on Purvaj are built around timely guidance, location context and Pandit discovery.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to remembering ancestors. Families perform Shraddha, Pind Daan, Tarpan, daan and food offerings according to family tradition and guidance from a qualified Pandit.
The ritual focus is gratitude and continuity: remembering parents, grandparents and earlier generations, offering prayers for peace, and carrying family obligations with sincerity. Some families perform the ritual at home, while others travel to Tirth locations such as Gaya, Kashi, Prayagraj, Haridwar or Rameswaram.
Pitru Paksha 2026 full tithi calendar
The table below is kept as crawlable HTML, not an image, so families and search engines can read the complete seasonal calendar. Exact muhurat and local tithi transitions can vary by city, so confirm timing with your selected Pandit before finalizing travel or ceremony plans.
Purnima Shraddha opens the 2026 planning window.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the most requested booking date.
Gaya, Kashi and Prayagraj see high seasonal demand.
Scroll the calendar sideways to see all columns.
| Date | Day | Tithi / Shraddha | Common planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2026 | Saturday | Purnima Shraddha | Often used for ancestors whose tithi aligns with Purnima. |
| 27 Sep 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada Shraddha | Plan for Pratipada tithi observances. |
| 28 Sep 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya Shraddha | Suitable for Dwitiya tithi Shraddha according to family tradition. |
| 29 Sep 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya Shraddha | Confirm local tithi timing if travelling between cities. |
| 30 Sep 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi / Panchami planning | Some panchangs show overlapping observances; verify with a Pandit. |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Shashthi Shraddha | Book early for Gaya and Kashi slots. |
| 2 Oct 2026 | Friday | Saptami Shraddha | Coordinate ritual materials, sankalpa details and family names in advance. |
| 3 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Ashtami Shraddha | Weekend travel can increase demand at major ghats. |
| 4 Oct 2026 | Sunday | Navami Shraddha / Matru Navami | Important for many families remembering female ancestors. |
| 5 Oct 2026 | Monday | Dashami Shraddha | Share gotra and ancestor details with the Pandit before arrival. |
| 6 Oct 2026 | Tuesday | Ekadashi Shraddha | Ask about fasting, daan and regional food rules. |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Dwadashi Shraddha | Often planned with Tirth-specific guidance. |
| 8 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Trayodashi Shraddha | Good day to confirm final travel and ritual material logistics. |
| 9 Oct 2026 | Friday | Chaturdashi Shraddha | Traditionally considered for specific circumstances; consult a Pandit. |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya | For all ancestors, especially when the exact tithi is unknown. |
Note: Local panchang differences can affect exact observance windows. Purvaj treats this calendar as planning guidance, not a substitute for Pandit confirmation.
What rituals are performed during Pitru Paksha?
The exact ritual sequence depends on family sampradaya, region, ancestor tithi and location. These are the most common services families ask Purvaj about during the season.
Pind Daan
Offering pindas with mantras for ancestors, especially at Gaya, Prayagraj and Kashi.
Pitru Tarpan
Water offerings with sesame and prayer, usually performed with precise sankalpa details.
Shraddha Puja
Annual remembrance ritual with offerings, daan and family-specific guidance.
Daan and Bhojan
Charity, food offerings and Brahmin bhojan according to local and family practice.
Dos and don’ts during Pitru Paksha
Practices vary by region. Use these as broad planning pointers and follow your family priest or selected Tirth Pandit for the final ritual discipline.
Do
Don’t
Matru Navami note: Navami Shraddha, often associated with remembrance of mothers and female ancestors in many traditions, falls in the 2026 planning window on Sunday, 4 October. Confirm the appropriate observance with your Pandit.
Where to perform Pitru Paksha rituals in 2026
Families often choose the location based on family tradition, travel convenience, ritual type and Pandit availability. Gaya is especially associated with Pind Daan, Kashi with Ganga and temple-linked rites, and Prayagraj with Sangam Tarpan and river rituals.
Explore Pandits at Pitru Paksha destinations
Explore location and ritual matches. Discuss dates and arrangements with the Pandit; these listings do not indicate festival availability.
Gaya
Kashi / Varanasi
Prayagraj
Frequently asked questions
Many families use Sarva Pitru Amavasya for ancestors whose exact tithi is unknown. In 2026, this planning date is Saturday, 10 October. Ask your Pandit to confirm the correct local timing.
Yes, some families perform Shraddha and Tarpan at home with guidance. Others travel to a Tirth location for Pind Daan or river rituals. The right choice depends on family tradition and practical needs.
Gaya is one of the most requested locations for Pind Daan. Kashi, Prayagraj, Haridwar and Rameswaram are also important depending on the ritual and family custom.
For major dates and Tirth locations, book as early as possible after your family confirms the tithi. Sarva Pitru Amavasya and weekend dates typically see higher demand.