📌 Calendar
| Festival Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Tithi Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitru Paksha | September 26, 2026 | October 10, 2026 | 16 days | Begins with Purnima Shraddha, ends on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) |
📌 Pitru Paksha Calendar (2025–2034)
| Year | Pitru Paksha Period (Approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sept 7 – Sept 21, 2025 | Begins Purnima Shraddha & ends Sarva Pitru Amavasya. |
| 2026 | Sept 26 – Oct 10, 2026 | Pitru Paksha 16-day period. |
| 2027 | Sept 26 – Oct 10, 2027 | Based on recurring calendar pattern. |
| 2028 | Sept 15 – Sept 29, 2028 | Calendar estimate per recurring cycle. |
| 2029 | Oct 2 – Oct 16, 2029 | Schedule shifts due to lunar tithi. |
| 2030 | Sept 22 – Oct 6, 2030 | Pitru Paksha period. |
| 2031 | Sept 11 – Sept 25, 2031 | Scheduled per lunar calendar. |
| 2032 | Sept 27 – Oct 11, 2032 | Estimated based on recurring pattern. |
| 2033 | Sept 16 – Sept 30, 2033 | Recurring pattern. |
| 2034 | Oct 5 – Oct 19, 2034 | Typical lunar shift later in October. |
Dates above are approximate based on lunar tithi cycles and recurring yearly patterns — local calendar timing (panchang) may vary slightly by location.
📌 About Pitru Paksha (Significance)
Pitru Paksha (also known as Shraddha Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha) is a sacred 16-day Hindu period dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. During this time, families perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan rites to offer food, water, and prayers to their forefathers so that their souls attain peace and blessings flow to the living.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha begins on September 26 and concludes on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) — the most spiritually significant day for ancestral rites.
📖 Traditional Story of Pitru Paksha
One of the most popular stories related to Pitru Paksha comes from the Mahabharata involving Karna — the great warrior known for unparalleled generosity. After his death, when Karna reached heaven, he was offered gold and jewels instead of food because he had not performed rites for his ancestors properly during his lifetime. This highlighted the importance of Shraddha — offering food and water to ancestors so their souls are nourished in the afterlife and the family receives blessings.
This story teaches that true respect for ancestors goes beyond worldly generosity — it must include rituals honoring their memory, which Pitru Paksha facilitates.
📌 Short FAQ – Pitru Paksha 2026
❓ What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a Hindu period dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors through rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan.
❓ When is Pitru Paksha in 2026?
It runs from September 26 to October 10, 2026.
❓ What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
It’s the final day of Pitru Paksha — a powerful day to perform ancestral rites and seek peace for all forefathers.
❓ What are common rituals during Pitru Paksha?
Rituals include Shraddha (offering food), Tarpan (offering water), and Pind Daan (rice balls with sesame) while chanting mantras.
❓ Why is Pitru Paksha observed?
It is believed that performing these rites brings peace to departed souls and blessings for prosperity, harmony, and spiritual strength for the family.
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