Pitru Paksha begins September 27; key dates for Hindu observance

Pitru Paksha, the sacred fortnight in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestral veneration, will commence on September 27, 2026, and conclude on October 10 with the observance of Sarva Pitru Amavasya, or the new moon day dedicated to all ancestors. During this 15-day period, Hindus traditionally perform sraddha, rituals that honour and seek blessings from deceased forebears.

The fortnight follows the lunar calendar and falls during the Krishna Paksha, or waning phase of the moon, in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Each day of Pitru Paksha is traditionally associated with offering prayers and performing tarpanam, a ritual water offering, for ancestors who passed away on corresponding lunar dates. Families are advised to prepare well in advance, as this is considered an auspicious time for fulfilling obligations to deceased relatives.

Key observances during this period include specific days designated for honouring maternal and paternal lineages, with rituals varying based on regional customs and family traditions. Practitioners typically offer food and water as part of the tarpanam ceremony, believed to provide sustenance to the departed souls. Many devotees visit temples and perform pujas during this fortnight, seeking divine intervention for the peace and well-being of their ancestors.

The concluding day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, is considered especially significant as it serves as a collective day for honouring all ancestors, including those whose exact death dates are unknown or forgotten. Millions of Hindus across India observe this period as a time of spiritual duty and family continuity, maintaining age-old customs passed down through generations.