Pitru Paksha 2026 dates, tithi calendar and ritual guide
Pitru Paksha is the annual period for Shraddha, Tarpan and remembrance of ancestors. Use this guide to understand the 2026 calendar, choose the right tithi, and connect with verified Pandits at Gaya, Kashi, Prayagraj and other sacred locations.
Plan your Pitru Paksha booking
Seasonal guide pages on Purvaj are built around timely guidance, location context and verified Pandit discovery.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to remembering ancestors. Families perform Shraddha, Pind Daan, Tarpan, daan and food offerings according to family tradition and guidance from a qualified Pandit.
The ritual focus is gratitude and continuity: remembering parents, grandparents and earlier generations, offering prayers for peace, and carrying family obligations with sincerity. Some families perform the ritual at home, while others travel to Tirth locations such as Gaya, Kashi, Prayagraj, Haridwar or Rameswaram.
Pitru Paksha 2026 full tithi calendar
The table below is kept as crawlable HTML, not an image, so families and search engines can read the complete seasonal calendar. Exact muhurat and local tithi transitions can vary by city, so confirm timing with your selected Pandit before finalizing travel or ceremony plans.
| Date | Day | Tithi / Shraddha | Common planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2026 | Saturday | Purnima Shraddha | Often used for ancestors whose tithi aligns with Purnima. |
| 27 Sep 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada Shraddha | Plan for Pratipada tithi observances. |
| 28 Sep 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya Shraddha | Suitable for Dwitiya tithi Shraddha according to family tradition. |
| 29 Sep 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya Shraddha | Confirm local tithi timing if travelling between cities. |
| 30 Sep 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi / Panchami planning | Some panchangs show overlapping observances; verify with a Pandit. |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Shashthi Shraddha | Book early for Gaya and Kashi slots. |
| 2 Oct 2026 | Friday | Saptami Shraddha | Coordinate ritual materials, sankalpa details and family names in advance. |
| 3 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Ashtami Shraddha | Weekend travel can increase demand at major ghats. |
| 4 Oct 2026 | Sunday | Navami Shraddha / Matru Navami | Important for many families remembering female ancestors. |
| 5 Oct 2026 | Monday | Dashami Shraddha | Share gotra and ancestor details with the Pandit before arrival. |
| 6 Oct 2026 | Tuesday | Ekadashi Shraddha | Ask about fasting, daan and regional food rules. |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Dwadashi Shraddha | Often planned with Tirth-specific guidance. |
| 8 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Trayodashi Shraddha | Good day to confirm final travel and ritual material logistics. |
| 9 Oct 2026 | Friday | Chaturdashi Shraddha | Traditionally considered for specific circumstances; consult a Pandit. |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya | For all ancestors, especially when the exact tithi is unknown. |
What rituals are performed during Pitru Paksha?
The exact ritual sequence depends on family sampradaya, region, ancestor tithi and location. These are the most common services families ask Purvaj about during the season.
Pind Daan
Pitru Tarpan
Shraddha Puja
Daan and Bhojan
Dos and don'ts during Pitru Paksha
Practices vary by region. Use these as broad planning pointers and follow your family priest or selected Tirth Pandit for the final ritual discipline.
Do
- Confirm the correct tithi before booking travel.
- Share ancestor names, gotra and family details in advance.
- Keep ritual materials simple, clean and as instructed.
- Plan early for Gaya, Kashi and Prayagraj during peak dates.
Don't
- Do not rely on a generic calendar without checking local timing.
- Do not leave travel, Pandit selection and materials for the last day.
- Do not mix rituals from different traditions without guidance.
- Do not treat Sarva Pitru Amavasya as a replacement for known tithis without asking.
Where to perform Pitru Paksha rituals in 2026
Families often choose the location based on family tradition, travel convenience, ritual type and Pandit availability. Gaya is especially associated with Pind Daan, Kashi with Ganga and temple-linked rites, and Prayagraj with Sangam Tarpan and river rituals.
Frequently asked questions
Book your Pitru Paksha Pandit with confidence
Share your family need, preferred Tirth, language and tithi. Purvaj will help you find a relevant verified Pandit for the 2026 season.