The final day is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya. The preceding Bhadrapada Purnima Shraddha falls on September 26 and is generally treated separately from the main Pitru Paksha period.

Pitra Paksha, also called Pitru Paksha or Shradh Paksha, is a sacred period in the Hindu tradition dedicated to remembering and honouring departed ancestors.

During these days, families traditionally perform Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, charity and prayers for their ancestors.

According to Astroshastra's Pitra Paksha – Significance, Rituals & Observances, Pitra Paksha is traditionally associated with ancestral worship, Shraddha, Tarpan, charity and seeking blessings from departed forefathers.

The period is therefore not simply about rituals. It is also a time to remember one's lineage, express gratitude towards ancestors and perform acts of charity and spiritual service.

When is Pitra Paksha 2026?

Pitra Paksha 2026 Start Date

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Pitra Paksha 2026 End Date

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026

The Shraddha calendar shows Pratipada Shraddha beginning on September 27 and the final Sarva Pitru Amavasya falling on October 10.

Pitra Paksha 2026: September 27 – October 10, 2026

Pitra Paksha 2026 Shradh Dates

The following is the general 2026 Shraddha Tithi sequence for India. Exact ritual timings can vary by city because sunrise, sunset and Tithi calculations are location-sensitive.

The calendar shows both Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha on September 30, while the remaining Tithis continue through Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10.

Important Note

Purnima Shraddha falls on September 26, 2026, one day before Pratipada Shraddha. It is generally treated as the preceding Purnima Shraddha rather than one of the main Pitru Paksha days.

Which Day Should Shradh Be Performed?

Traditionally, Shraddha is performed according to the Tithi on which the ancestor passed away, rather than simply choosing any convenient date.

For example, if an ancestor passed away on Krishna Tritiya, the family may traditionally perform the Shraddha on Tritiya during Pitru Paksha.

If the exact death Tithi is not known, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered an important day for performing ancestral rites.

The 2026 Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10, 2026.

What is Pitra Paksha?

Pitra Paksha is a fortnight dedicated to ancestral remembrance and traditional Shraddha rituals.

The word Pitra refers to ancestors, while Paksha means a lunar fortnight.

According to traditional Hindu belief, this period is particularly suitable for performing rituals and offerings for departed family members.

Astroshastra's dedicated Pitra Paksha article explains the spiritual significance of the period and discusses Shraddha, Tarpan, charity and prayer.

Spiritual Significance of Pitra Paksha

Pitra Paksha has a deeper spiritual meaning centred around:

• Gratitude towards ancestors
• Remembering one's family lineage
• Performing ancestral duties
• Seeking peace for departed souls
• Charity and selfless service
• Prayer and spiritual discipline
• Seeking ancestral blessings

For many families, Pitra Paksha is an annual opportunity to remember parents, grandparents and earlier generations who contributed to the family's journey.

It encourages the living generation to acknowledge the sacrifices, values and traditions passed down by their ancestors.

What is Shraddha?

Shraddha is a traditional Hindu ancestral ritual performed in memory of departed family members.

It generally involves prayers and offerings made according to prescribed customs.

Traditional Shraddha may include:

• Pind or rice offerings
• Water
• Black sesame seeds
• Food
• Fruits
• Flowers
• Other prescribed materials

Astroshastra describes Shraddha as the central ritual of Pitra Paksha and associates it with offerings of Pinda, water, sesame seeds and food.

The exact procedure can vary according to family tradition, region and the guidance of the priest conducting the ritual.

Pitra Paksha Shradh Vidhi

A traditional Shradh Vidhi may include the following steps.

1. Clean the Puja Area

The place where the Shraddha ritual is performed should be clean and prepared respectfully.

2. Sankalp

The person performing the ritual takes a Sankalp remembering the ancestor for whom the Shraddha is being performed.

3. Invoke the Ancestors

The ancestors are respectfully remembered and invoked according to the prescribed ritual.

4. Pind Daan

Pind, traditionally prepared using rice and other prescribed ingredients, is offered as part of the ancestral ritual.

5. Tarpan

Water, traditionally accompanied by sesame seeds and other prescribed materials, is offered to the ancestors.

6. Food Offering

Food may be prepared and offered according to family and regional tradition.

7. Charity

Food, clothes, grains or other useful items may be donated to people in need.

8. Prayers

The ritual concludes with prayers for the peace of the ancestors and well-being of the family.

The precise Shraddha Vidhi should ideally be performed according to one's family tradition and under the guidance of a knowledgeable priest.

What is Pitra Tarpan?

Pitra Tarpan is the traditional offering of water to ancestors.

During Tarpan, the devotee remembers departed family members and offers water according to the prescribed method.

Black sesame seeds are commonly associated with ancestral Tarpan.

Tarpan is traditionally performed as an expression of respect, remembrance and gratitude towards the Pitras.

What is Pind Daan?

Pind Daan is an important traditional ancestral ritual.

Pind offerings are generally prepared from rice and other prescribed ingredients and offered as part of Shraddha rites.

Pind Daan may be performed during Pitra Paksha and at certain sacred pilgrimage locations according to traditional customs.

Because the procedure can vary significantly between traditions, anyone planning a formal Pind Daan ceremony should follow the guidance of a qualified priest.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026

Sarva Pitru Amavasya will fall on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

It is also known as:

• Mahalaya Amavasya
• Sarvapitri Amavasya
• Sarva Pitru Moksha Amavasya

It is traditionally considered the most significant concluding day of Pitra Paksha.

The Amavasya Shraddha is traditionally performed for ancestors whose death Tithi falls on Amavasya, and traditions also use this day when the exact death Tithi of an ancestor is unknown.

Therefore, Sarva Pitru Amavasya can be especially important for families who are unable to perform Shraddha on every individual Tithi.

Pitra Paksha and Pitra Dosha

Pitra Paksha and Pitra Dosha are closely connected in traditional Vedic astrology but they are not the same thing.

Pitra Paksha is a sacred period for ancestral remembrance and rituals.

Pitra Dosha is an astrological concept associated with particular planetary combinations in a horoscope.

Astroshastra's Pitra Dosha in Horoscope discusses traditional astrological factors associated with Pitra Dosha, including the Sun, ninth house, ninth lord, Rahu, Ketu and Saturn.

A recent Astroshastra article, Pitra Dosha Symptoms & Remedies, also explains that Pitra Dosha should not simply be viewed as a curse and discusses traditional remedies based on ancestral remembrance, righteous conduct and spiritual practices.

Pitra Paksha Remedies for Pitra Dosha

Traditional remedies associated with Pitra Dosha may include:

• Shraddha
• Pitra Tarpan
• Pind Daan
• Charity
• Annadaan
• Feeding the needy
• Worship
• Mantra chanting
• Pitra Dosha Puja
• Pitra Dosha Nivaran Yantra

Astroshastra's Pitra Dosha Remedies discusses several traditional remedies, including Shraddha, charity, food donation and Pitra Dosha Nivaran Yantra.

However, it is important not to assume that every difficulty in life is caused by Pitra Dosha.

A proper horoscope analysis should be performed before concluding that a person has Pitra Dosha.

Pitra Dosha Nivaran Yantra

Astroshastra offers the Pitradosh Nivaran Navgrah Yantra, which is traditionally associated with ancestral remembrance and planetary harmony.

Astroshastra lists Pitra Paksha, Amavasya and Mahalaya Amavasya among the recommended days for its worship.

The Yantra page also provides a traditional Pitra Dosha Nivaran mantra and states that devotees may chant it 108 times or according to the guidance of a qualified priest or Guru.

A Yantra should be understood as a complementary spiritual practice and should not be treated as a guaranteed solution to personal, financial, medical or family problems.

Charity During Pitra Paksha

Daan is an important part of many Pitra Paksha traditions.

Traditional charitable activities can include:

• Food donation
• Grain donation
• Clothes
• Financial assistance
• Feeding people in need
• Supporting charitable causes

Astroshastra's Donation for Pitra Dosha discusses Daan as a traditional practice associated with gratitude, compassion and ancestral remembrance.

Charity is most meaningful when performed sincerely and without expecting an immediate reward.

Annadaan During Pitra Paksha

Annadaan, or food donation, is another meaningful way of observing Pitra Paksha.

Families may offer food to people in need as an act of charity and remembrance.

Astroshastra also provides a Food Daan Service for people who wish to support food distribution to those in need.

Can Pitra Paksha Rituals Be Performed at Home?

Simple prayers and ancestral remembrance can be performed at home according to one's family tradition.

However, formal Shraddha, Pind Daan and other prescribed ceremonies can involve specific procedures.

If you are performing a detailed ritual, it is advisable to consult a qualified priest who understands your family tradition and regional customs.

What Should Be Done During Pitra Paksha?

Devotees traditionally focus on remembrance, prayer, charity and disciplined living during this period.

You can consider:

• Remembering departed ancestors
• Performing Shraddha on the appropriate Tithi
• Performing Pitra Tarpan
• Offering food
• Donating to people in need
• Feeding the poor
• Helping elderly or disadvantaged people
• Chanting prayers or mantras
• Visiting a temple
• Maintaining peace and cleanliness

The objective should be devotion and gratitude rather than fear.

What Should Be Avoided During Pitra Paksha?

Customs vary between families and communities, but many devotees traditionally maintain a simple and disciplined lifestyle.

It is generally appropriate to avoid:

• Unnecessary extravagance
• Disrespect towards parents and elders
• Wastefulness
• Intoxicants during religious observance
• Performing ancestral rituals casually or disrespectfully

Specific restrictions should be followed according to one's family tradition rather than assuming that every custom applies universally.

Pitra Paksha 2026 – Important Dates at a Glance

September 26, 2026: Purnima Shraddha
September 27, 2026: Pratipada Shraddha – Pitra Paksha begins
September 28: Dwitiya Shraddha
September 29: Tritiya Shraddha / Maha Bharani
September 30: Chaturthi & Panchami Shraddha
October 1: Shashthi Shraddha
October 2: Saptami Shraddha
October 3: Ashtami Shraddha
October 4: Navami Shraddha
October 5: Dashami Shraddha
October 6: Ekadashi Shraddha
October 7: Dwadashi Shraddha
October 8: Trayodashi Shraddha
October 9: Chaturdashi Shraddha
October 10, 2026: Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya

The dates above are based on the 2026 Shraddha calendar; exact Muhurat and Tithi timings vary by location.

Why is Pitra Paksha Important in 2026?

Pitra Paksha 2026 provides another opportunity for families to honour their ancestors through traditional Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, prayer and charity.

The importance of the period is not limited to astrology. It is also a reminder of family heritage and the responsibilities that connect one generation with another.

For those who follow Vedic astrology, Pitra Paksha can also be an appropriate time to understand ancestral influences in the horoscope and consider traditional remedies where genuinely indicated.

Pitra Paksha 2026 will be observed from September 27 to October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10.

It is traditionally a sacred period for remembering ancestors and performing Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, charity and prayers.

The most important message of Pitra Paksha is gratitude.

Remembering our parents, grandparents and forefathers allows us to acknowledge the generations that came before us and the values they passed down.

If you are concerned about Pitra Dosha, do not assume that every obstacle is caused by ancestral karma. Have your Kundli properly analysed first and then choose remedies according to your horoscope and tradition.

Know Your Pitra Dosha Before Choosing a Remedy

Are you experiencing repeated obstacles in career, marriage, family life or finances and wondering whether Pitra Dosha may be present in your horoscope?

Don't rely only on general symptoms.

Get your Kundli analysed by an Astro Expert and understand whether Pitra Dosha is actually present in your birth chart.

Get Your Horoscope Analysed by Astroshastra

You can also explore:

Pitra Dosha in Horoscope

Pitra Dosha Remedies

Pitradosh Nivaran Navgrah Yantra

Frequently Asked Questions – Pitra Paksha 2026

1. When does Pitra Paksha 2026 start?

Pitra Paksha 2026 begins on September 27, 2026, with Pratipada Shraddha.

2. When does Pitra Paksha 2026 end?

Pitra Paksha 2026 ends on October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya.

3. When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

4. When is Pratipada Shraddha in 2026?

Pratipada Shraddha falls on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

5. When should Shraddha be performed?

Traditionally, Shraddha is performed on the Pitru Paksha Tithi corresponding to the date on which the ancestor passed away. If the death Tithi is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered an important day for ancestral rites.

6. What is performed during Pitra Paksha?

The principal traditional practices include Shraddha, Pitra Tarpan, Pind Daan, prayers and charity.

7. What is Pitra Tarpan?

Pitra Tarpan is a traditional ritual involving offerings of water to ancestors along with prescribed materials such as sesame seeds.

8. What is Pind Daan?

Pind Daan is a traditional ancestral offering involving Pind prepared from rice and other prescribed ingredients. It is performed as part of ancestral rites.

9. Can Pitra Paksha remedies reduce Pitra Dosha?

Traditional Vedic astrology considers Shraddha, Tarpan, charity and other ancestral practices among the remedies for Pitra Dosha. However, Pitra Dosha should first be properly assessed in the horoscope.

10. What should I do if I don't know my ancestor's death Tithi?

Traditionally, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered particularly significant for performing Shraddha when the exact death Tithi is unknown.

11. Can Shraddha be performed at home?

Simple ancestral prayers can be performed at home according to family tradition. Formal Shraddha and Pind Daan ceremonies should preferably be performed according to the guidance of a knowledgeable priest.

12. Is Pitra Paksha only related to Pitra Dosha?

No. Pitra Paksha is primarily a period for ancestral remembrance, Shraddha and traditional offerings. Pitra Dosha is a separate concept in Vedic astrology.