2026 Shraddh Dates
Pitru Paksha Shraddh begins on September 26, 2026 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026.
Quick answer for 2026
Shraddh is observed according to the ancestor's tithi, or lunar day of passing, rather than the Gregorian date. For 2026, the observance starts with Purnima Shraddha on Saturday, September 26 and ends on Saturday, October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the universal day for all ancestors.
Complete 2026 Shraddh Date Calendar
Use this table to match the ancestor's death tithi with the corresponding 2026 Pitru Paksha day. Regional panchangs may vary by location and sunrise rule, so families often confirm the final muhurat with their local priest.
For ancestors who passed away on Purnima tithi; marks the opening observance.
For those whose death tithi was Pratipada.
For ancestors connected with Dwitiya tithi.
For ancestors who passed on Tritiya tithi.
For ancestors whose death tithi was Chaturthi.
For Panchami tithi; also often watched for Bharani-related observance depending on local panchang.
For ancestors associated with Shashthi tithi.
Some calendars combine tithis when lunar timing overlaps the solar day; confirm locally.
A special day for mothers and married women ancestors who passed away before their husbands.
For ancestors whose death tithi was Dashami.
For Ekadashi tithi; some traditions also associate this day with ascetics.
For ancestors whose passing tithi was Dwadashi.
For Trayodashi tithi; in many traditions also remembered for deceased children.
Reserved especially for ancestors who died through untimely, accidental, or violent circumstances.
The universal Shraddh day for all ancestors, especially when the exact tithi is unknown or was missed.
How to choose the correct Shraddh date
The central rule is simple: perform Shraddh on the same lunar tithi on which the ancestor passed away. The paksha and Gregorian date are less important than the tithi itself.
If the tithi is not known, use Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This final day is traditionally treated as the inclusive observance for all known, unknown, and missed ancestors.
Known tithi
Match it to the same tithi in the table.
Unknown tithi
Use Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Oct 10, 2026.
Tarpan
Water offerings, often with black sesame, are made for the satisfaction and remembrance of departed ancestors.
Pind Daan
Rice-based pindas symbolize nourishment and are offered with faith, gratitude, and family remembrance.
Daan & Feeding
Charity, feeding Brahmins, and offering food to beings such as cows, dogs, crows, and ants are common practices.
Important 2026 observances
Avidhava Navami, October 4, 2026: traditionally used for mothers and married women ancestors in many families.
Chaturdashi Shraddh, October 9, 2026: reserved in many traditions for those who passed through accident, violence, or other untimely circumstances.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya, October 10, 2026: the most important closing day, used for all ancestors and for any date that is unknown or missed.
Simple conduct during Pitru Paksha
Common do's
Observe with sincerity, keep food sattvic, remember ancestors by name when known, offer water and sesame with devotion, and include charity or feeding where possible.
Common don'ts
Many families avoid meat, alcohol, onion, garlic, major celebrations, new purchases, and auspicious ceremonies during this solemn remembrance period.
Why Shraddh is observed
Pitru Paksha is a period of gratitude toward the family lineage. The offerings of food, water, prayer, and charity are understood as a way to honor ancestors, seek their blessings, and maintain the spiritual bond between generations.
The core idea is remembrance with shraddha, or faith. Whether the observance is elaborate with a priest or simple at home, the intent is to remember the departed respectfully and nourish the family’s ancestral connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pitru Paksha 2026 start and end?+
It starts on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with Purnima Shraddha and ends on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What if I do not know the ancestor's tithi?+
Perform Shraddh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, October 10, 2026. This is the accepted universal day for known, unknown, and missed ancestors.
Is Shraddh based on date of death or tithi?+
It is based on the lunar tithi of death, not the Gregorian calendar date. Local panchang rules can affect exact timing.