Festivals / Pitru Paksha / Shradh

Pitru Paksha / Shradh

Bhadrapada Purnima to the following Amavasya (16 days) · The Pitrs (ancestors)

This year
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Also known as Shraddha, Mahalaya Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Significance

A solemn fortnight set aside for the ancestors — when families offer water, food, and gratitude to the departed. It closes on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the day for all forebears whose date of passing is unknown or missed.

The story behind Pitru Paksha / Shradh

The tradition holds that at this season the Pitrs draw near, and that offerings of shraddha reach them through the priests and the fire. It is not mourning but duty and thanks — the living acknowledging the debt they owe to those who came before, and asking their blessing for the generations ahead.

How Pitru Paksha / Shradh is observed

  • Tarpan — offering water (with sesame) to the ancestors each day.
  • Shraddha and pinda-dana on the tithi matching the ancestor's date of passing.
  • Feeding brahmins, the poor, cows, and crows as part of the rite.
  • Sarva Pitru Amavasya on the final day for all ancestors together.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Pitru Paksha / Shradh.

▶ Watch Pitru Paksha / Shradh Puja Vidhi & Prayers on YouTube
How the date is fixed: The date shown is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the concluding day. The fortnight begins at the preceding Purnima. A 16-day period; many families avoid new or auspicious undertakings during it.

Pitru Paksha / Shradh dates (2015–2035)

YearDateDay
201512 October 2015Monday
201630 September 2016Friday
201720 September 2017Wednesday
20189 October 2018Tuesday
201928 September 2019Saturday
202016 October 2020Friday
20216 October 2021Wednesday
202225 September 2022Sunday
202314 October 2023Saturday
20242 October 2024Wednesday
202521 September 2025Sunday
202610 October 2026Saturday
202730 September 2027Thursday
202818 September 2028Monday
20297 October 2029Sunday
203027 September 2030Friday
203116 October 2031Thursday
20324 October 2032Monday
203323 September 2033Friday
203412 October 2034Thursday
20351 October 2035Monday

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.