Pitru Paksha 2026 runs from September 27 through October 10 with traditional rituals.

Pitru Paksha in 2026 runs from September 27 through October 10, following Purnima Shraddha on September 26. Families traditionally perform Shraddha on the lunar date associated with an ancestor’s death; Sarvapitri Amavasya on October 10 is an option when that date is unknown or a ritual was missed. Practices include offering water with sesame seeds through Tarpan, preparing pindas and food offerings, and, in some traditions, feeding Brahmins or making offerings to animals. Shraddha and Tarpan are generally performed during the day, with the period around midday known as Kutup Muhurat considered especially significant.
Before starting Shraddha, the ritual space is traditionally cleaned, and the person performing the ceremony bathes and wears clean clothes.
Pindas are traditionally made with rice and other prescribed ingredients, though the specific method can vary by family and region.
Where families observe Panchabali, portions of the Shraddha food may be offered to particular beings, including a cow, dog or crow; practices vary across families and regions.
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