Pitru Paksha 2026 begins September 26: full date-wise shraddha list
Pitru Paksha 2026 starts on September 26 and runs about 15 days, ending with Sarvapitri Amavasya on October 10
As Ganeshotsav celebrations wind down in homes across the country, another significant period is about to begin: Pitru Paksha, the time when people remember their ancestors and perform shraddha rituals in their name.
According to the Vedic Panchang, Pitru Paksha 2026 begins on Saturday, September 26. This day also falls on Purnima, and the period is considered to start with the Purnima shraddha. Pitru Paksha begins the day after Anant Chaturdashi and lasts around 15 days, with a shraddha performed on each date according to the lunar calendar. Those who do not know the exact date of their ancestors' passing perform shraddha on Sarvapitri Amavasya.
Pitru Paksha is the period when the ancestors who gave us life are remembered and gratitude is expressed toward them. It is believed that performing shraddha during these days brings peace to the souls of ancestors, who in turn bless their families. Shraddha is always performed in the afternoon.
The full dates for Pitru Paksha 2026 are as follows. The first day, Purnima shraddha, falls on Saturday, September 26, 2026, marking the start of Pitru Paksha. Pratipada shraddha is on Sunday, September 27; Dwitiya shraddha on Monday, September 28; and Tritiya shraddha on Tuesday, September 29. Chaturthi and Panchami shraddha coincide on Wednesday, September 30, as both dates fall together that day. Shashthi shraddha is on Thursday, October 1; Saptami shraddha on Friday, October 2; and Ashtami shraddha on Saturday, October 3. Navami shraddha falls on Sunday, October 4, also known as the shraddha for unmarried persons. Dashami shraddha is on Monday, October 5; Ekadashi shraddha on Tuesday, October 6; and Dwadashi shraddha on Wednesday, October 7, which also coincides with the shraddha for the Magha Nakshatra. Trayodashi shraddha is on Thursday, October 8, and Chaturdashi shraddha on Friday, October 9. The last day, Sarvapitri Amavasya, falls on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
On Sarvapitri Amavasya, shraddha is performed for all ancestors, and the day holds special significance for those who do not know the exact date of their ancestors' passing.
It is believed that whatever we are today is because of our parents and grandparents, who worked hard for us. Shraddha is performed to show respect to them and to bring peace to their souls. It is said that donations and pind daan made during Pitru Paksha reach the ancestors.
