During the observance of Pitru Paksha, the twelfth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Ashwin holds immense spiritual importance. On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the rituals of Dwadashi Shraddh will be performed. According to traditional beliefs, this sacred date is specifically dedicated to honouring ancestors who adopted ascetic life as well as family members who passed away on Dwadashi tithi. The Moon will transit through Magha Nakshatra, associated with Ketu, while Shubh Yoga will also remain active throughout the period.
Planetary Alignments and Panchang Details
According to astronomical calculations, the Dwadashi tithi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha continues until 11:17 PM on October 7, 2026. Concurrently, Shubh Yoga will persist until late night at 2:52 AM. Magha Nakshatra remains active until 9:41 PM on the same date. The day is primarily observed for Dwadashi tithi rituals, where descendants offer homage and prayers to ensure peace for their forebears.
Auspicious Timers and Solar Schedule
Specific time segments are designated for prayer and spiritual activities throughout the day. Brahma Muhurat is scheduled from 04:53 AM to 05:42 AM, followed by Pratah Sandhya between 05:18 AM and 06:30 AM. In the afternoon, Vijaya Muhurat will occur from 02:25 PM to 03:12 PM. The evening twilight or Godhuli Muhurat will be observed between 06:22 PM and 06:46 PM. Most crucially for tarpan and memorial offerings, the auspicious Kutup Muhurat extends from 11:45 AM to 12:31 PM. Across the day, sunrise takes place at 06:16 AM, with sunset scheduled at 06:00 PM.
Rahu Kaal Timings Across Major Cities
In traditional astrology, Rahu Kaal is considered an inauspicious period during which commencing new or auspicious ventures is usually avoided. In Delhi, Rahu Kaal spans from 12:09 PM to 01:37 PM, while in Mumbai, it runs from 12:26 PM to 01:55 PM. Residents of Chandigarh will observe it from 12:11 PM to 01:38 PM, whereas in Lucknow, it falls between 11:54 AM and 01:22 PM. In Bhopal, the window lasts from 12:08 PM to 01:36 PM, in Kolkata from 11:24 AM to 12:53 PM, in Ahmedabad from 12:27 PM to 01:56 PM, and in Chennai from 11:57 AM to 01:26 PM.
Spiritual Significance of Dwadashi Shraddh
Performing ceremonies on Dwadashi is believed to aid departed souls on their journey toward liberation. Performing sacred rites like tarpan and pinda daan on this occasion brings peace to ancestors. A distinct tradition associated with this day is the remembrance of forebears who took formal vows of renunciation or sannyasa during their lifetime. Chanting dedicated hymns and reciting ancestor stotras during these rituals is considered beneficial for bringing tranquility, harmony, and prosperity to the entire household.
