Pitru Paksha 2026: Shraddha rituals begin September 27, full schedule out

Pitru Paksha is considered highly sacred in Hindu scripture. During this period, people remember their ancestors and perform shraddha, tarpan and pind daan for the peace of their souls. In 2026, Pitru Paksha will run from September 27 to October 10.

Every date in Pitru Paksha carries its own religious significance. According to Vedsevak Bhikesh Prakash Joshi Guruji, this year's dates are as follows. Mahalaya begins and Pratipada Shraddha falls on September 27, 2026. Dwitiya Shraddha is on September 28, while Bharani Shraddha and Tritiya Shraddha fall on September 29. Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha coincide on September 30. This is followed by Shashthi Shraddha on October 1, Saptami Shraddha on October 2, and Ashtami Shraddha on October 3. Avidhwa Navami and Navami Shraddha fall on October 4, Dashami Shraddha on October 5, Ekadashi Shraddha on October 6, and Dwadashi Shraddha on October 7. Trayodashi Shraddha falls on October 8 and Chaturdashi Shraddha on October 9. Sarvapitri Amavasya will be on October 10, 2026.

According to scripture, Mahalaya Shraddha is performed on the date on which an ancestor passed away. Some days in Pitru Paksha are considered especially important. Bharani Shraddha, falling on September 29, is significant for the Bharani nakshatra or for those who have passed away in the past year. Avidhwa Navami on October 4 is for married women who died while their husbands were still living. Sarvapitri Amavasya on October 10 is for ancestors whose date of death is not known, and is regarded as the last and most important day of Pitru Paksha.

It is said to be necessary to offer water (tarpan) to ancestors daily or on their specific date during Pitru Paksha. Performing shraddha rituals during the Kutup and Rohini muhurats, feeding Brahmins and setting aside gograss are considered highly beneficial during this period. This is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to the household and pacify pitru dosh.

Many people wonder why pitru dosh occurs. According to scripture, it arises from certain mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly. Scripture prescribes several remedies to address it, of which performing shraddha rituals is considered most important. It is believed that a person who performs shraddha rituals with devotion sees their fortune improve day by day.

Scripture also lists specific causes of pitru dosh. Not performing shraddha and tarpan for ancestors, or disrespecting them, is one cause. Killing or causing the killing of a snake or a cow is also considered a major cause of this dosh. Discharging waste into or polluting the water of a sacred river or well is also said to cause pitru dosh. Committing wrongdoing or sin at a temple or pilgrimage site also makes a person liable for this dosh. Physical relations on the date of Amavasya, or improper relations with a guru's wife or daughter, are also said to cause pitru dosh. Poor character or misconduct among women of the family is also cited as a cause of this dosh. Female foeticide or forced abortion is also considered a major cause of pitru dosh.