Pitru Paksha 2026 Shradh Dates: Full Tithi Calendar, Shubh Muhurat and Timings

Pitru Paksha is the annual period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and honouring one's ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpan, Pinda Daan, food offerings, charity and prayer.

In 2026, the main Pitru Paksha Shraddha sequence begins with Pratipada Shraddha on Sunday, 27 September 2026 and ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

Purnima Shraddha falls on Saturday, 26 September 2026. It is observed immediately before the main Pitru Paksha period and has a separate place in the Shraddha calendar.

The most important rule is that Shraddha is generally performed according to the Tithi of the ancestor's death, not simply according to the weekday or English-calendar date.

This guide gives the complete 2026 Tithi calendar and explains the correct Shraddha timing principle, including Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat and Aparahna Kaal.

Quick Answer: Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates

Main Pitru Paksha: 27 September 2026 to 10 October 2026

Purnima Shraddha: 26 September 2026

First Pitru Paksha Shraddha: Pratipada Shraddha, 27 September 2026

Maha Bharani: 29 September 2026

Magha Shraddha: 7 October 2026

Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 10 October 2026

Shraddha timings are location-dependent because sunrise, solar position and Panchang calculations vary by city. The preferred period is generally Kutup Muhurat followed by Rohina Muhurat and then Aparahna Kaal. Always check the local Panchang for your city before fixing the exact clock time.

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In This Guide

1. Pitru Paksha 2026 full calendar
2. Which Shraddha Tithi should you follow?
3. Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna timings
4. Purnima Shraddha
5. Maha Bharani Shraddha
6. Navami Shraddha
7. Magha Shraddha
8. Chaturdashi Shraddha
9. Sarva Pitru Amavasya
10. Simple Shraddha preparation
11. FAQs

Pitru Paksha 2026 Full Shraddha Tithi Calendar

Which Shraddha Date Should You Choose?

The traditional rule is based primarily on the Tithi on which the person passed away.

For example:

• death on Krishna or Shukla Paksha Tritiya → Tritiya Shraddha;
• death on Saptami → Saptami Shraddha;
• death on Dashami → Dashami Shraddha;
• death on Trayodashi → Trayodashi Shraddha.

The Paksha at the time of death does not normally create two separate Shraddha dates during Pitru Paksha. The corresponding Tithi is used.

If you do not know or remember the ancestor's death Tithi, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered the main day for performing Shraddha for ancestors whose Tithi is unknown or whose individual Shraddha could not be performed earlier.

What Is the Best Time for Shraddha in Pitru Paksha?

Shraddha is generally associated with the Aparahna period rather than early morning worship timings.

Traditional Panchang calculations commonly divide the preferred Shraddha period into:

1. Kutup Muhurat

Kutup Muhurat is traditionally considered highly suitable for beginning Pitru Paksha Shraddha rituals.

2. Rohina Muhurat

Rohina follows Kutup and is also considered suitable for Shraddha-related rites.

3. Aparahna Kaal

The remaining Aparahna period after Rohina is also used for completing Shraddha, Pinda Daan and Tarpan.

Why Should You Not Copy Shraddha Timings From Another City?

Unlike the date table, exact clock timings are not identical across India.

For example, Kutup Muhurat may begin earlier or later depending on local solar calculations. Therefore, timings shown for Delhi should not automatically be copied for Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Haridwar or another city.

For publishing or planning a ritual, always select the city in a reliable Panchang and use the local Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna timings.

Purnima Shraddha — 26 September 2026

Purnima Shraddha falls immediately before the regular Pratipada-to-Amavasya sequence.

It is also known as Shraddhi Purnima or Proshthapadi Purnima Shraddha.

An important distinction is that Mahalaya Shraddha for someone who died on Purnima is traditionally associated with Amavasya Shraddha, rather than simply assuming that Bhadrapada Purnima is the only relevant day.

Families following a specific priest-led tradition should continue according to their established practice.

Maha Bharani Shraddha — 29 September 2026

Maha Bharani occurs when Bharani Nakshatra falls during Pitru Paksha.

In 2026, Maha Bharani coincides with Tritiya Shraddha on Tuesday, 29 September.

It is traditionally regarded as an important Pitru Paksha observance, although the exact ritual significance and family practice can vary.

Navami Shraddha — 4 October 2026

Navami Shraddha is observed for ancestors whose death Tithi was Navami.

In several traditions it is also known as Matru Navami and receives special attention in connection with Shraddha for departed women of the family.

As customs can vary, families should follow the method taught by their priest or family elders where available.

Magha Shraddha — 7 October 2026

Magha Nakshatra has a traditional association with Pitru worship in Jyotisha and Hindu ritual symbolism.

In 2026, Magha Shraddha falls on Wednesday, 7 October, the same date as Dwadashi Shraddha.

It can be considered an important day within the Pitru Paksha calendar, but the ancestor's death Tithi remains an important factor when selecting the normal annual Shraddha date.

Chaturdashi Shraddha — 9 October 2026

Chaturdashi Shraddha falls on Friday, 9 October 2026.

Certain Shraddha traditions apply special rules to Chaturdashi, especially depending on the circumstances of death.

If your family situation involves an unusual or accidental cause of death, it is better to confirm the correct Tithi and procedure with a knowledgeable priest rather than applying a simplified internet rule.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 — 10 October

Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

This is the final and one of the most significant days of Pitru Paksha. It is also known as:

• Sarvapitri Amavasya;
• Mahalaya Amavasya;
• Sarva Pitru Moksha Amavasya.

It is particularly important when:

• the death Tithi is not known;
• the individual Shraddha could not be performed earlier;
• one wishes to perform a collective remembrance for departed ancestors according to family tradition.

Many families perform Tarpan, Pinda Daan, Brahmin Bhoj, charity or food offerings on this day according to regional custom.

Simple Shraddha Preparation Checklist

The full ritual should follow family tradition or a knowledgeable priest, but common items may include:

• clean water;
• black sesame seeds;
• Kusha / Darbha grass;
• rice;
• barley where traditionally used;
• flowers;
• simple sattvic food;
• plate or vessel for offerings;
• clean asana;
• dakshina and charity according to capacity.

In some North Indian traditions, Pinda may be prepared using ingredients such as rice, sesame, barley, milk, honey or ghee according to the prescribed procedure.

Keep the ritual respectful and simple. Shraddha should not become a fear-driven or commercially excessive activity.

Can You Perform Shraddha at Home?

Yes, many families perform Tarpan or simpler Shraddha-related observances at home, while others prefer a temple, family priest or sacred location.

Places such as Gaya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Haridwar and other traditional Tirtha locations are especially associated with Pitru rituals in different regional traditions.

If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, ask your family priest for guidance rather than attempting an elaborate ritual only from online instructions.

What Should You Avoid During Pitru Paksha Shraddha?

• Do not select the date only from an English birthday-style calendar; Shraddha is Tithi-based.
• Do not blindly copy another city's Muhurat.
• Do not turn ancestor worship into a fear-based remedy.
• Do not make guaranteed claims about wealth, karma or removal of every problem.
• Do not perform specialised rituals casually if your family follows a defined procedure.
• Do not confuse commercial “shubh muhurat” terminology with the traditional Shraddha preference for Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna.

Pitru Paksha Is About Shraddha — Devotion and Remembrance

The word Shraddha itself carries the idea of performing the ancestral duty with sincerity and reverence. Correct Tithi and timing matter, but devotion, gratitude and respectful remembrance remain at the heart of the observance.

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Key Summary

Purnima Shraddha: 26 September 2026.

Pitru Paksha begins: Pratipada Shraddha on 27 September 2026.

Maha Bharani: 29 September 2026.

Magha Shraddha: 7 October 2026.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 10 October 2026.

Best Shraddha timing: traditionally Kutup Muhurat, followed by Rohina Muhurat and Aparahna Kaal. Exact clock timings should always be checked for your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does Pitru Paksha start in 2026?

The main Pitru Paksha Shraddha sequence begins with Pratipada Shraddha on 27 September 2026.

2. When does Pitru Paksha end in 2026?

Pitru Paksha concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 10 October 2026.

3. When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

4. When is Maha Bharani Shraddha in 2026?

Maha Bharani falls on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, along with Tritiya Shraddha.

5. What is the best Muhurat for Shraddha?

Kutup Muhurat is traditionally preferred, followed by Rohina Muhurat and the remaining Aparahna period.

6. Should Shraddha be done in the morning?

The traditional preference is generally the Aparahna-related Shraddha period rather than simply choosing an early-morning time.

7. What if I do not know the death Tithi of my ancestor?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally used for Shraddha when the individual death Tithi is unknown or could not be observed separately.

8. Are Pitru Paksha timings the same throughout India?

No. The dates are broadly common, but exact Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna clock timings vary by location. Always check a local Panchang.

About DivineRoots

DivineRoots publishes practical guides on Hindu festivals, spiritual traditions, Rudraksha, malas, crystals and devotional practices with an emphasis on respectful tradition and clear guidance.

For specialised Shraddha, Pinda Daan or family-specific Pitru rituals, always follow your Kul tradition or consult a knowledgeable priest.

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