Pitru Paksha 2026 will begin on September 27 and conclude on October 10, answering the common question of whether the ancestral period falls in September or October. The 15-day observance will end with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, in New Delhi.
Most of the Shradh period will take place in September, but its final days will continue into October. Because the dates are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, the observance does not always fit within a single Gregorian calendar month.
Shradh 2026 start and end dates
If you are searching for “Pitru Paksha 2026 September date” or asking “Pitru Paksha 2026 October mein kab hai”, the answer is both. Pitru Paksha will start on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in New Delhi, and continue through Saturday, October 10.
The concluding day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is considered especially important for performing Shradh rituals for ancestors. The Amavasya tithi will begin on the night of October 9 and end on October 10, making October 10 the observance date in New Delhi.
Pitru Paksha 2026 complete Shradh calendar
| Shradh | Date |
|---|---|
| Pratipada Shradh | September 27, 2026 |
| Dwitiya Shradh | September 28, 2026 |
| Tritiya Shradh | September 29, 2026 |
| Chaturthi Shradh | September 30, 2026 |
| Panchami Shradh | September 30, 2026 |
| Shashthi Shradh | October 1, 2026 |
| Saptami Shradh | October 2, 2026 |
| Ashtami Shradh | October 3, 2026 |
| Navami Shradh | October 4, 2026 |
| Dashami Shradh | October 5, 2026 |
| Ekadashi Shradh | October 6, 2026 |
| Dwadashi Shradh | October 7, 2026 |
| Trayodashi Shradh | October 8, 2026 |
| Chaturdashi Shradh | October 9, 2026 |
| Sarva Pitru Amavasya | October 10, 2026 |
The appropriate Shradh date for an individual ancestor depends on the tithi, or lunar day, on which that person died. Certain special categories of Shradh are also linked to specific tithis.
When does Pitru Paksha start in 2026?
Pitru Paksha Shradh will begin with Pratipada Shradh on September 27, 2026. The Pratipada tithi will begin on September 26 and continue into September 27, which is why the Shradh observance will take place on September 27.
This distinction explains why the date on which a lunar tithi begins may differ from the date listed for the corresponding Shradh observance.
When does Pitru Paksha Shradh end in 2026?
Pitru Paksha will end on October 10, 2026, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Also called Mahalaya Amavasya, it is regarded as the final and one of the most significant days of the Pitru Paksha period.
For New Delhi, the Amavasya tithi will begin at around 9:35 p.m. on October 9 and end at around 9:19 p.m. on October 10.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a period dedicated to remembering and honouring ancestors. During this time, families traditionally perform Shradh, Tarpan and other rituals in memory of deceased relatives.
The observance is associated with the waning phase of the lunar month. The name of the lunar month can vary across traditions and regions, which is another reason calendars may show different month names or dates.
For those following the Hindu calendar, the key dates in 2026 are clear: Pitru Paksha starts on September 27 and ends on October 10.
Why are September and October both mentioned for Shradh 2026?
The Hindu calendar follows lunar cycles, while the Gregorian calendar is based on the solar year. Consequently, festivals and religious observances can shift between Gregorian months from one year to the next.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin during the final week of September and extend into October. Those who say it falls in September are referring to its beginning, while references to October may concern the later Shradh dates or the concluding day.
Devotees planning Shradh ceremonies should check the Panchang for their specific city, as tithi and ritual timings can vary by location.
Source: m.economictimes.com