Pitru Paksha 2026 will begin on September 27 and continue until October 10, when Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed. During this period, families traditionally perform Shraddha, Tarpan and other rituals to remember and honour departed ancestors.
For those observing Pitru Paksha for the first time, questions often arise about the correct Shraddha date, puja timing, offerings and the method of performing Tarpan at home. The date for an ancestor is generally determined by the lunar Tithi associated with their death rather than the corresponding Gregorian date.
When Does Pitru Paksha 2026 Begin and End?
Pitru Paksha 2026 starts with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27. The fortnight continues through the different lunar Tithis until Amavasya on October 10.
The Shraddha observances cover Tithis including Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Saptami and the subsequent lunar dates leading up to Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
For an individual ancestor, the Shraddha is generally performed on the Tithi on which the person passed away. For instance, Saptami Shraddha in 2026 falls on October 2 for ancestors whose death occurred on Saptami Tithi.
Pitru Paksha Puja Time and Muhurat
Shraddha is traditionally performed during the daytime. Important periods associated with the ritual include Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat and Aparahna Kaal.
The exact timings depend on the location and date. For example, in New Delhi, the timings for Saptami Shraddha on October 2, 2026, are:
- Kutup Muhurat: 11:46 AM to 12:34 PM
- Rohina Muhurat: 12:34 PM to 1:21 PM
- Aparahna Kaal: 1:21 PM to 3:44 PM
These timings are location-specific. Therefore, people living in other cities should refer to their local Panchang rather than directly following Delhi timings.
Main Pitru Paksha Rituals and Tarpan Vidhi
Shraddha is the main ancestral observance during Pitru Paksha. Families perform prayers and traditional offerings in remembrance of their departed family members.
Tarpan involves offering water to the ancestors as a traditional expression of respect and remembrance. Black sesame and other items may also be used depending on the family’s customs.
Pind Daan is another important ancestral ritual in which pindas are offered as part of the prescribed rites. The method can differ according to regional and family traditions.
Food offerings and charity are also commonly associated with Pitru Paksha. Families may prepare simple vegetarian food according to their customs and offer it as part of the observance.
How to Perform Tarpan at Home
Those performing Tarpan at home generally begin by cleaning the place of worship and arranging the required items. Water is traditionally used for the offering, often along with black sesame.
The person performing the ritual remembers the ancestor by name and offers water while following the prayers, direction and procedure prescribed by their family tradition.
Food offerings may be prepared afterwards, followed by other customary practices such as feeding guests, priests or people in need.
There is no single procedure followed by every family. Mantras, offerings, the sequence of rituals and other details can vary between communities. Families with an established tradition generally follow the method passed down within the household or advised by their priest.
Tarpan is traditionally performed as part of the Shraddha observance, so it should be planned according to the complete ritual rather than treated as a separate fixed-time puja.
What Is Offered During Pitru Paksha?
Traditional offerings may include water, black sesame, rice-based preparations, pindas and simple vegetarian food. The exact offerings depend on the type of ritual and the customs followed by the family.
Many households prepare simple dishes traditionally associated with Shraddha. Feeding others and giving charity may also be included as part of the observance.
The focus of Pitru Paksha is traditionally on remembering ancestors and following the prescribed customs with sincerity rather than making the ceremony unnecessarily elaborate.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general religious and informational purposes. Pitru Paksha dates, Tithi calculations, Muhurat timings and ritual procedures may vary by location, Panchang and family tradition. Readers should verify the timings for their city and follow the customs traditionally observed by their family or consult a qualified priest for specific rituals.