2026 Key Takeaways
16
Lunar Days of Remembrance
Sep 26, 2026
Pitru Paksha Begins
Oct 10, 2026
Pitru Paksha Concludes
The 16-Day Timeline for 2026
Pitru Paksha unfolds over sixteen lunar days, or Tithis. Each day is an opportunity to perform Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on that specific Tithi. The timeline below maps each Tithi to its exact 2026 date.
Purnima Shraddha
Pratipada to Ashtami Shraddha
Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami)
Dashami to Trayodashi Shraddha
Chaturdashi Shraddha
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
How to Find Your Shraddha Date: A Simple Guide
Finding the correct day is a straightforward process based on the lunar day, or Tithi, of an ancestor's passing. This step-by-step flowchart breaks down the simple rules to follow to ensure you are honoring them on the astrologically correct day.
1. Identify the Ancestor's Tithi
Determine the lunar day (e.g., Panchami, Dashami) on which they passed away.
2. Check for Special Cases
Was it an unnatural death? (Use Chaturdashi). Was she a married woman who died before her husband? (Use Navami).
3. Match the Tithi
If no special case applies, find the corresponding Tithi in the 2026 Pitru Paksha calendar and perform Shraddha on that day.
4. Unknown Tithi?
If the Tithi is unknown, or you've missed the date, perform the rites for all ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Oct 10, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pitru Paksha start and end in 2026? +
In 2026, the 16-day lunar period of Pitru Paksha begins with Purnima Shraddha on September 26, 2026, and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya? +
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the final day of Pitru Paksha (Oct 10, 2026). It is highly significant as it is reserved for performing Shraddha rites for all ancestors, especially those whose specific death Tithi is unknown or was missed during the fortnight.
The Spiritual Significance
Pitru Paksha is a sacred bridge connecting generations. Performing Shraddha is an act of profound gratitude, believed to provide peace to the souls of ancestors and, in return, invite their blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being for the family. It is a time to honor our roots and acknowledge the legacy that shapes our present.