Pitru Paksha & Shraddha Dates in 2026: Start & End Dates, Tithis, Rituals & Significance

Pitru Paksha & Shraddha Dates in 2026: Start & End Dates, Tithis, Rituals & Significance (image: canva)

Pitru Paksha & Shraddha Dates in 2026: Pitru Paksha 2026 holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindu families who honor their ancestors through Shraddha rituals, Tarpan, Pinda Daan and charity. This sacred period, also known as Mahalaya Paksha, is believed to bring blessings, peace and divine protection to the family when Shraddha is performed with devotion and proper vidhi.

What is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar phase dedicated to remembering and offering gratitude to ancestors. Scriptures describe Shraddha as a sacred duty performed with sesame seeds, darbha grass, sacred mantras and offerings like rice, ghee, milk and grains. It is said that when Shraddha is performed with faith, ancestors bless the family with prosperity, knowledge, protection, harmony and spiritual strength.

Pitru Paksha 2026 Start & End Dates

• Starts: 26 September 2026 (Purnima Shraddha)
• Ends: 10 October 2026 (Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya)

Both North Indian (Purnimanta) and South Indian (Amanta) calendars observe Shraddha during the same period, though the month names differ. The last day, Mahalaya Amavasya, is considered the most powerful and spiritually significant.

Pitru Paksha & Shraddha Dates in 2026

Spiritual Importance of Shraddha

Ancient scriptures state that Shraddha performed with devotion grants:

• Long life, good fortune and family harmony
• Knowledge, blessings and peace
• Liberation from obstacles and spiritual upliftment

It is also believed that not only the performer, but even those who encourage, support or participate in Shraddha receive divine merit.

Regional Traditions Across India and Nepal

• North India: Pinda Daan at Gaya, Kashi, Prayag, Badrinath holds great importance.
• Maharashtra & Gujarat: Mahalaya Shraddha observed with traditional meals and offerings to Brahmins, cows, crows and dogs.
• Bengal, Odisha, Assam: Tarpan rituals and holy river bathing on Mahalaya Amavasya.
• South India: Known as Pitru Karma; offerings like Tamboola, banana leaves, Bali rituals and Brahmin Bhoj are important.
• Kerala: Shraddha known as Bali, performed at sacred spaces.
• Nepal: Pinda Daan at Gokarneshwar Temple is highly sacred.

Pitru Paksha is not just a ritual; it’s a heartfelt remembrance of those who shaped our lives. Performing Shraddha with sincerity invites blessings, harmony and prosperity into the family. Stay rooted, stay blessed, and honor tradition like a true legacy keeper.