Honoring Ancestors

The 2026 Pitru Paksha Shraddha Infographic

16

Lunar Days of Remembrance

Sep 26, 2026

Pitru Paksha Begins

Oct 10, 2026

Pitru Paksha Concludes

The 16-Day Timeline for 2026

Pitru Paksha spans sixteen lunar days, known as Tithis, offering a chance to honor ancestors through Shraddha rituals. Below is a 2026 timeline aligning each Tithi with its date.

Purnima Shraddha

Sep 26

Pratipada to Ashtami Shraddha

Sep 27 - Oct 3

Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami)

Oct 4

Dashami to Trayodashi Shraddha

Oct 5 - Oct 8

Chaturdashi Shraddha

Oct 9

Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Oct 10

Anatomy of the Fortnight

Most days align with a typical lunar day (Tithi), but some hold unique importance for certain ancestors.

This chart depicts the ratio of standard Tithi Shraddha days to those with unique designations.

How to Find Your Shraddha Date: A Simple Guide

Determining the right day is easy using the lunar day, or Tithi, of an ancestor's death. This chart outlines the basic steps to follow.

Identify the Ancestor's Tithi

Find the lunar day (e.g., Panchami, Dashami) of their passing.

Check for Special Cases

Was the death unnatural? (Refer to Chaturdashi). Did she pass before her husband? (Refer to Navami).

Match the Tithi

When no exceptions exist, locate the matching Tithi in the Pitru Paksha calendar and carry out Shraddha accordingly.

Unknown Tithi?

If the Tithi is unclear or the date is missed, honor all ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

The Spiritual Significance

Pitru Paksha serves as a holy link between generations, where Shraddha rituals express deep gratitude, offering peace to ancestral souls and inviting their blessings for health, wealth, and harmony. It’s a moment to celebrate our heritage and reflect on the foundation of our identity.