Pitru Paksha Starts
Purnima
Saturday
23:09
Pitru Paksha Ends
Amavasya
Saturday
21:38
Note: 15-day period for ancestor worship; Mahalaya Amavasya is the most important day.
Pitru Paksha Tithi Timeline
Detailed 15-day period
Purnima
📅 26 September 2026
Saturday
Shukla Paksha • Bhadrapada
Significance: Purnima - Start of Pitru Paksha
Pratipada
📅 27 September 2026
Sunday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Significance: Pratipada - First day of shradh
Dvitiya
📅 28 September 2026
Monday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Tritiya
📅 29 September 2026
Tuesday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Chaturthi
📅 30 September 2026
Wednesday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Panchami
📅 1 October 2026
Thursday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Shashthi
📅 2 October 2026
Friday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Saptami
📅 3 October 2026
Saturday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Navami
📅 4 October 2026
Sunday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Significance: Navami - Shradh for married women who died on Navami
Dashami
📅 5 October 2026
Monday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Ekadashi
📅 6 October 2026
Tuesday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Dwadashi
📅 7 October 2026
Wednesday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Trayodashi
📅 8 October 2026
Thursday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Chaturdashi
📅 9 October 2026
Friday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Significance: Chaturdashi - Shradh for those who died by violence/accident
Amavasya
📅 10 October 2026
Saturday
Krishna Paksha • Ashwina
Significance: Mahalaya Amavasya - Universal shradh for all ancestors (most important)
Key Days Explained
Purnima
Pitru Paksha Begins
Pratipada
First Day of Shradh
Ashtami
Ashtami Death Tithi
Navami
Married Women
Chaturdashi
Violent/Accidental Deaths
Mahalaya Amavasya
Most Important - All Ancestors
Understanding Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is a sacred 15-day period in the Hindu tradition dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. It begins on Bhadrapada Purnima (full moon) and ends on Ashwina Krishna Amavasya (new moon), known as Mahalaya Amavasya.
⏱️ Duration
15 days - From Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima to Ashwina Krishna Amavasya. Each tithi (lunar day) has special significance for performing shraddh.
According to Hindu scriptures, during this period, the souls of ancestors (pitrs) descend to Earth and accept offerings of shraddh and tarpan to bless their descendants.
🙏 Shraddh Rituals & Procedures
1. Tarpan (Water Offering)
Offering water, sesame seeds (til), and milk to ancestors. Performed early morning at a river, pond, or at home facing south.
2. Pind Daan
Rice, barley, or wheat flour balls (pind) offered to ancestors, representing three generations. Performed with mantras and rituals.
3. Brahmin Bhoj (Feeding Brahmins)
Feeding Brahmins is considered highly auspicious. They represent the ancestors and accepting food from them brings blessings.
4. Daan (Charity)
Donating clothes, grains, dakshina (money), and food items to the needy is considered meritorious during this period.
⚠️ Activities to Avoid During Pitru Paksha
Note: Daily work, spiritual practices, and office work can continue normally. Only auspicious and major activities are postponed.
🌟 Significance of Key Days
Purnima - Pitru Paksha Begins
Start of the 15-day period. Ancestors descend to Earth.
Pratipada - First Day of Shradh
For ancestors who died on Pratipada tithi.
Ashtami - Specific Death Tithi
Shradh for ancestors who died on Ashtami.
Navami - For Married Women
Shradh for married women who died on Navami.
Chaturdashi - Violent/Accidental Deaths
Special day for those who died by violence or accidents.
Mahalaya Amavasya - Most Important
Universal shradh for all ancestors. If you can't remember any other day, perform shradh on this day without fail.
📋 Rules & Observances
✅ What to Do
- Maintain daily bath and cleanliness
- Eat sattvic food (vegetarian)
- Donate to Brahmins and the needy
- Remember ancestors and pray
- Use black sesame and rice
❌ What Not to Do
- Avoid meat, fish, eggs
- Skip onions, garlic (in some traditions)
- Don't buy new clothes
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Avoid unnecessary quarrels and anger