Pitru Paksha holds deep religious significance in Hindu tradition as a period dedicated to remembering and honouring departed ancestors. During these days, families traditionally perform rituals such as Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan as an expression of respect and gratitude towards their ancestors.

In 2026, the main Pitru Paksha period will begin on September 27 and conclude on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya. However, Purnima Shradh will be observed a day earlier, on September 26.

People planning to perform Shradh ceremonies should pay attention to the relevant Tithi, as Hindu religious tradition generally associates the Shradh of a departed family member with the lunar date of their death.

When Will Pitru Paksha Begin in 2026?

According to the calendar details given for 2026, Pratipada Tithi is scheduled to start at around 10:18 PM on September 26 and continue until approximately 8:58 PM on September 27. For this reason, Pratipada Shradh will be observed on September 27.

Purnima Shradh, meanwhile, falls on Saturday, September 26.

The Shradh observances will continue through different Tithis before ending with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Complete Shradh Date List

Here is the Shradh schedule provided for Pitru Paksha 2026:

Some Shradh observances fall on the same Gregorian calendar date in 2026. Chaturthi Shradh and Mahabharani Shradh are listed for September 30, while Saptami and Ashtami Shradh fall on October 3. Similarly, Dwadashi and Magha Shradh are observed on October 7.

How Is the Correct Shradh Date Determined?

According to Hindu religious customs, Shradh is generally performed during Pitru Paksha according to the Tithi associated with a person's death, rather than simply following the corresponding Gregorian calendar date.

For example, if a family member passed away on the Dwitiya Tithi of the relevant lunar fortnight, the Shradh ceremony is traditionally performed on Dwitiya Shradh during Pitru Paksha. In 2026, Dwitiya Shradh falls on September 28.

Families may follow their own regional, community or family traditions while performing these rituals, as practices can differ from one place to another.

Why Is Panchami Shradh Considered Significant?

Panchami Shradh has particular importance in certain traditions. It is also known in some places as Kunwara Panchami and is traditionally associated with performing Shradh for family members who died unmarried.

In 2026, Panchami Shradh will be observed on Thursday, October 1.

The exact customs followed on this occasion may vary depending on local traditions and family practices.

When Is Trayodashi Shradh in 2026?

Trayodashi Shradh is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026.

In some traditions, this Tithi is also associated with remembrance ceremonies for children or family members who died at a young age. As religious practices can differ considerably by region and tradition, families often follow the customs handed down within their household or seek guidance from their priest.

What If You Do Not Know an Ancestor's Death Tithi?

Families do not always know the exact lunar Tithi on which an ancestor passed away. There may also be situations where Shradh cannot be performed on the designated Tithi.

This is where Sarva Pitru Amavasya assumes special significance.

In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, falls on October 10. It marks the concluding day of Pitru Paksha and is traditionally regarded as an important occasion for remembering ancestors whose exact death Tithi is unknown or whose Shradh could not be performed earlier during the period.

Families traditionally offer prayers and may perform rituals such as Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan on this day in remembrance of their departed ancestors.

Therefore, those who do not know the exact death Tithi of their ancestors can observe Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026, according to their family and religious traditions.