In Sanatan Dharma, ancestors hold an important place in religious traditions. During Pitru Paksha, families remember their departed loved ones and perform Shraddha rituals to pay homage to them. The period is traditionally observed for around 15 to 16 days, with the rituals performed according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha is stated to begin on September 26. One of the most common questions during this period is how to determine the correct day for performing Shraddha for a particular ancestor.
How Is the Shraddha Date Decided?
The Shraddha date is traditionally based on the tithi of the ancestor’s death, rather than the date on the English or Gregorian calendar.
For instance, if an ancestor passed away on the second tithi of a fortnight, the Shraddha is performed on the second tithi of Pitru Paksha. According to the information provided, the second day of Pitru Paksha in 2026 falls on September 28.
Families can therefore identify the Hindu lunar tithi on which their ancestor passed away and perform the Shraddha on the corresponding tithi during Pitru Paksha.
This tradition gives importance to the lunar death tithi instead of simply matching the date of death with a date on the Gregorian calendar.
When Is Matru Navami Observed?
Pitru Paksha also includes certain days traditionally associated with specific family circumstances. The ninth day is known as Matru Navami.
According to Hindu religious beliefs, Shraddha for mothers, sisters and daughters who passed away while their husbands were alive can be performed on this day. Matru Navami is traditionally observed as a significant occasion to remember and offer Shraddha to female ancestors.
When Is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
When the exact death date or tithi of an ancestor is unknown, Shraddha can traditionally be performed on Amavasya, the new moon day during Pitru Paksha.
This day is known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. It is also traditionally observed for ancestors who died in circumstances such as accidents or natural disasters, particularly when their specific death tithi is not known.
Shraddha for Sanyasis
A separate tradition applies to family members who had taken sanyas before their death.
According to the religious beliefs mentioned in the source, their Shraddha can be performed on the Ekadashi or Dwadashi tithi of Pitru Paksha.
Therefore, the Shraddha day during Pitru Paksha is traditionally determined by the ancestor’s death tithi. Depending on the circumstances, specific occasions such as Matru Navami, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Ekadashi or Dwadashi may be observed.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on religious beliefs, traditional practices and folk traditions. These beliefs have not been scientifically established. The article does not independently verify or establish the validity of any religious ritual or belief described above.