🙏 Pitru Paksha 2026
Ancestor Worship - Shraddha Tithi Dates & Rules
🪔 Shraddha Tithi Calculator
Find next 5 years Shraddha dates based on death date
📅 Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates
| Date | Day | Tithi | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 03 | Thursday | Purnima | - |
| Sep 04 | Friday | Pratipada | - |
| Sep 05 | Saturday | Dwitiya | - |
| Sep 06 | Sunday | Tritiya | - |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Chaturthi | - |
| Sep 08 | Tuesday | Panchami | - |
| Sep 09 | Wednesday | Shashthi | - |
| Sep 10 | Thursday | Saptami | - |
| Sep 11 | Friday | Ashtami | Madhyashtami |
| Sep 12 | Saturday | Navami | Avidhava Navami |
| Sep 13 | Sunday | Dashami | - |
| Sep 14 | Monday | Ekadashi | Indira Ekadashi |
| Sep 15 | Tuesday | Dwadashi | - |
| Sep 16 | Wednesday | Trayodashi | - |
| Sep 17 | Thursday | Chaturdashi | - |
| Sep 18 | Friday | Amavasya | Mahalaya Amavasya |
🕉️ What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a 15-day period from Purnima to Amavasya in Bhadrapada month. It is believed that ancestors descend to earth during this time to receive offerings from their descendants.
📜 Shraddha Procedure
- Morning bath and meditation
- Pinda Pradana (rice balls)
- Tarpana (water offering)
- Feeding Brahmins
- Food for crows and cows
⚠️ Rules to Follow
- Avoid starting new ventures
- Avoid weddings, housewarming
- Eat sattvic (pure) food
- Avoid onion and garlic
🌙 Special Tithis
- Madhyashtami: For those who died on Ashtami
- Avidhava Navami: For married women who died
- Mahalaya Amavasya: Shraddha for all ancestors
🛕 Sacred Places for Shraddha
Some sacred places are highly auspicious for performing Pitru Karya. Shraddha performed at these places yields greater benefits:
📍 Andhra Pradesh
- Srisailam - Mallikarjuna Kshetra
- Simhachalam - Varaha Narasimha Swamy
- Pushkarams - Godavari, Krishna river banks
📍 Other Places
- Gaya - Vishnupad (Bihar)
- Varanasi - Manikarnika Ghat
- Rameshwaram - Setu Tirtha
❓ FAQs
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a 15-day period in the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. During this time, Tarpana and Pinda Pradana are offered to ancestors.
What is the significance of Mahalaya Amavasya?
Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of Pitru Paksha. On this day, Shraddha can be performed for all ancestors. It is also for those whose death tithi is unknown.
What should be avoided during Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, avoid starting new ventures, weddings, housewarming, or business. This period is dedicated to ancestor worship.
How to calculate Shraddha Tithi?
Shraddha Tithi is determined based on the tithi on the day of death. Use our Shraddha Tithi Calculator to easily find the dates.
Who should perform Tarpana?
Traditionally, the eldest son performs Tarpana. If no son, grandson, son-in-law, or other male family members can perform it.
Why perform Shraddha during Pitru Paksha?
It is believed ancestors descend to earth during Pitru Paksha. Offerings made during this time reach them directly. It also helps in removing Pitru Dosha.