Date: 2026-03-05 09:51:49 | By: Admin

Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates, Rituals and Pind Daan Guide

Introduction to Pitra Paksha

Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitra Paksh or Shraadh Paksh, is a sacred 16 day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and offering gratitude to our ancestors (Pitrs). During this period, families perform rituals like Tarpan, Shraddh, and Pind Daan to pray for the peace of departed souls and seek their blessings for prosperity and harmony in the family. 

According to Hindu belief, during Pitru Paksha the souls of ancestors visit the earth to receive offerings from their descendants. Therefore performing rituals with sincerity during this period is considered highly auspicious.

Pitru Paksha 2026 Start and End Date

In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on 26 September 2026 and end on 10 October 2026, which is observed as Sarva Pitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya).

These days are also called Shradh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha.

Pitru Paksha 2026 Tithi Calendar

Shradh or Pind Daan is usually performed on the same tithi on which the ancestor passed away. If the exact tithi is unknown, rituals are generally performed on Sarva Pitri Amavasya.

Important Rituals During Pitru Paksha

During Pitru Paksha, several simple and traditional rituals are recommended to honor ancestors.

1. Daily Tarpan

Tarpan means offering water mixed with sesame seeds (til) to ancestors.

Every day during Pitru Paksha, after taking a bath in the morning, one can offer jal and til while remembering the names of ancestors.

2. Feeding Animals (Kagwal)

Another important practice is feeding animals, which is believed to satisfy ancestors.

Food should be offered to:

• Crow

• Dog

• Cow

This offering is traditionally called Kagwal.

3. Feeding Brahmins and Donation

On the specific tithi of the ancestor’s death, families often perform Shraddh rituals which include:

• Feeding Brahmins

• Offering Anna Daan (food donation)

• Donating Vastra (clothes)

These acts of charity are considered highly meritorious during Pitru Paksha.

4. Pind Daan / Shraddh

The most important ritual during Pitru Paksha is Pind Daan, where rice balls (pind) are offered to ancestors.

Pind Daan is generally performed:

• On the specific death tithi of the ancestor

• Or on Sarva Pitri Amavasya

This ritual is believed to bring peace to the departed soul and blessings to the family.

Important Places for Pind Daan During Pitru Paksha 2026

Although Shraddh can be performed at home, certain pilgrimage places are considered especially sacred for Pind Daan.

Some of the most important places include:

• Gaya Shraadh– considered the most sacred place for performing final Pind Daan (Gaya Shraddh)

• Pind Daan In Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam)

• Pind daan In Varanasi (Kashi)

• Pind Daan In Haridwar

Thousands of devotees visit these holy cities during Pitru Paksha to perform rituals for their ancestors.

Important Note: If Death Occurred Within One Year

If someone in the family has passed away within the last one year, the regular Pitru Paksha rituals mentioned above are generally not performed.

Instead, families continue the monthly Shraddh rituals until the first annual Shraddh (Varshik Shraddh) is completed.

It is advisable to consult a priest for guidance according to family tradition.

Online Pind Daan During Pitru Paksha

If you are unable to travel to holy places or perform rituals personally, online Pind Daan can also be arranged.

You can share:

• Names of ancestors

• Gotra

• Your family details

Based on this information, priests in Kashi (Varanasi) can perform Pind Daan and Shraddh rituals on your behalf, and provide confirmation after completion of the rituals.