Quick Answer
Mahalaya is the last day of Pitru Paksha, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. In 2026 it falls on 10 October. It is set aside for shraddha for all ancestors, including those whose death tithi is unknown, and in Bengal it marks the end of the ancestral fortnight and the beginning of Devi Paksha, the countdown to Durga Puja.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Mahalaya 2026: 10 October 2026 (Saturday)
- Tithi: Ashwina Krishna Amavasya
- Another name: Sarva Pitru Amavasya
- Position in the year: Final day of Pitru Paksha, on the eve of Navratri
- Main rite: Tarpan and shraddha for all ancestors
- Bengal tradition: Beginning of Devi Paksha and Durga Puja preparations
When is Mahalaya in 2026?
Mahalaya 2026 falls on 10 October 2026. The tithi is Ashwina Krishna Amavasya, the new moon of the dark fortnight of Ashwina.
It is the fifteenth and final day of Pitru Paksha. In 2026 Sharad Navratri begins the next day, on 11 October, so Mahalaya sits directly on the eve of the Navratri season.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya means the new moon for all ancestors. Ordinarily shraddha is offered on the specific tithi of a person death. Many families cannot be certain of that date, and some ancestors are not remembered on any known tithi at all. This day exists so that no one is left out.
The rite performed is tarpan, the offering of water with sesame seeds while reciting the names and gotras of the departed. Food and clothing are given in charity and a meal is served in their memory.
Why Mahalaya matters in Bengal
In West Bengal, Mahalaya is less the end of the ancestral fortnight than the start of Devi Paksha. It is the day on which Durga is invoked before her arrival, and the traditional broadcast of the Mahishasuramardini recitation early on Mahalaya morning has been part of the Bengali Durga Puja countdown for generations.
For that reason Mahalaya is celebrated in Bengal as a festival in its own right, even though it belongs to the ancestral period elsewhere in India.
How the day is observed
- Tarpan at a river, temple tank or the sea, often before sunrise.
- Shraddha for ancestors whose tithi is unknown.
- Pind daan at Gaya or another pilgrimage centre, where possible.
- Charity of food, clothing or grain, and the feeding of the poor.
- Family remembrance at home, usually with a lamp and a simple offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mahalaya in 2026?
Mahalaya falls on 10 October 2026. It is the new moon, Ashwina Krishna Amavasya, and the last day of Pitru Paksha.
What is the difference between Mahalaya and Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
They are the same day. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the ritual name, meaning the new moon for all ancestors, while Mahalaya is the name used in Bengal and in the wider Durga Puja tradition.
Why is Mahalaya celebrated in Bengal?
In Bengal, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the invocation of Durga before her arrival. The traditional early morning broadcast of the Mahishasuramardini recitation is part of the Durga Puja countdown.
What should be done on Mahalaya?
The usual practices are tarpan with sesame water, shraddha for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown, charity of food or clothing, and a simple family remembrance at home.
Can shraddha be done at home on Mahalaya?
Yes. Pind daan at Gaya or another pilgrimage centre is considered most complete, but tarpan and shraddha can be performed at home or at a local riverbank with a priest.
Does Navratri begin on Mahalaya?
In 2026 Navratri begins the day after Mahalaya, on 11 October. Mahalaya is the eve of the Navratri season rather than the first day of it.