Pitru Paksha: Dates, Shraddha Vidhi and Significance

Quick Answer

Pitru Paksha is the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, observed in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashwina. In 2026 it runs from 27 September to 10 October, ending on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya. During these fifteen days Hindus offer shraddha, tarpan and pind daan in memory of departed family members, and auspicious ceremonies such as marriages are traditionally avoided.

Key Facts at a Glance

Pitru Paksha 2026: 27 September to 10 October 2026
Last day: Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya
Lunar period: Ashwina Krishna Paksha (15 days)
Main rites: Shraddha, tarpan, pind daan
Major sites: Gaya, Prayagraj, Haridwar and Varanasi
Traditionally avoided: Marriages, new ventures and auspicious ceremonies

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Pitru Paksha 2026 dates

Pitru Paksha 2026 begins on 27 September 2026 and ends on 10 October 2026. It is a fifteen-day period that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwina month, the dark fortnight that follows Bhadrapada Purnima.

The final day is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, widely known as Mahalaya. It is reserved for ancestors whose exact death tithi is not known, so that every departed family member can still be remembered. Some calendars list the opening day as 26 September depending on when the Pratipada tithi begins in a given location; the widely published start is 27 September.

What is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is the period in the Hindu year set aside for honouring the pitrs, the ancestors. The belief is that during this fortnight the ancestors come close to the living, and that offerings made now reach them and give them peace.

The rites are not mourning. They are a form of gratitude, and the tradition treats them as a duty that every household owes to the generations before it.

Shraddha, tarpan and pind daan

Shraddha is the ceremony performed on the tithi of the ancestor death date, with a priest, food and charity given in that person name.
Tarpan is the offering of water with sesame seeds, usually at a river or temple tank, accompanied by the recitation of the names of the ancestors.
Pind daan is the offering of rice balls, made at a sacred site, most often Gaya in Bihar, where the ritual is held to be most complete.

Many families also feed crows, cows and dogs, and give food or clothing to the poor. In some households a lamp is lit in the direction associated with the ancestors.

What is avoided during the fortnight

Because the period is reserved for ancestral rites, marriages, engagements, housewarming ceremonies and the purchase of vehicles or property are traditionally not held during Pitru Paksha. New ventures are generally postponed until after Mahalaya.

Where the rites are performed

Gaya in Bihar is the best-known centre for pind daan. Prayagraj, Haridwar, Varanasi and Rameswaram are also widely visited, and many families simply perform the rites at home or at a local riverbank with a priest.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pitru Paksha start in 2026?

Pitru Paksha 2026 begins on 27 September 2026. Some calendars list 26 September depending on when the Pratipada tithi begins locally, but the widely published start date is 27 September.

When does Pitru Paksha end in 2026?

It ends on 10 October 2026, which is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya.

How many days is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a fifteen day period. It falls in the Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight, of the Ashwina month.

What are pind daan and tarpan?

Pind daan is the offering of rice balls to the ancestors, most commonly performed at Gaya. Tarpan is the offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, usually at a river or temple tank, while reciting the names of the departed.

Why is Mahalaya important?

Mahalaya is the last day of Pitru Paksha and is called Sarva Pitru Amavasya. It is set aside for ancestors whose exact death tithi is unknown, so that all of them can be remembered in a single day of shraddha.

Can you do auspicious work during Pitru Paksha?

Traditionally no. Marriages, engagements, housewarming ceremonies and the purchase of vehicles or property are avoided during the fortnight, and new ventures are usually postponed until after Mahalaya.