In Sanatan tradition, Pitru Paksha holds immense spiritual significance as a fortnight dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. During this sacred period, family members perform Shradh rituals, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and act in charity to seek blessings and ensure peace for departed souls. According to the Vedic calendar, Pitru Paksha commences every year on the Purnima Tithi of the Bhadrapada month and comes to a close on the Amavasya Tithi of the Ashwin month. In the year 2026, these fortnight rituals fall between late September and early October. Beginning on September 26, 2026, understanding the complete calendar of dates is essential for devotees preparing to fulfill their ancestral obligations.
Complete Calendar and Dates for Pitru Paksha 2026
The sequence of Shradh Tithis for the year 2026 commences on September 26. According to the panchang, the day-wise dates are structured as follows
- September 26 (Saturday): Bhadrapada Purnima Shradh
- September 27 (Sunday): Pratipada Shradh
- September 28 (Monday): Dwitiya Shradh
- September 29 (Tuesday): Tritiya Shradh
- September 30 (Wednesday): Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh
- October 1 (Thursday): Shashthi Shradh
- October 2 (Friday): Saptami Shradh
- October 3 (Saturday): Ashtami Shradh
- October 4 (Sunday): Navami Shradh (Matri Navami)
- October 5 (Monday): Dashami Shradh
- October 6 (Tuesday): Ekadashi Shradh
- October 7 (Wednesday): Dwadashi Shradh
- October 8 (Thursday): Trayodashi Shradh
- October 9 (Friday): Chaturdashi Shradh
- October 10 (Saturday): Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shradh
Key Rules and Guidelines for Performing Shradh
According to scriptural traditions, the Shradh for an ancestor should ideally be observed on the exact lunar Tithi of their passing. For instance, if a family member passed away on Pratipada Tithi, their Shradh rituals must be carried out on the Pratipada day of Pitru Paksha.
For deceased mothers and female lineage members, performing rituals on Navami Tithi is considered exceptionally auspicious. Hence, this day is widely revered as Matri Navami. In 2026, Matri Navami falls on Sunday, October 4. For ancestors whose exact date or Tithi of death remains unknown, rituals can be performed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. Scriptural beliefs hold that Shradh offered on Sarva Pitru Amavasya reaches all departed ancestors and brings peace to their souls.
A unique alignment occurs in the 2026 lunar schedule where Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh coincide on a single day, Wednesday, September 30. Families whose ancestors passed away on either Chaturthi or Panchami Tithi will need to conduct their rituals on September 30.
