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Pitru Paksha 2026: Begins Saturday, Know if it's 15 or 16 Days of Shraddha Paksha
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News18•21-09-2026, 08:42
Pitru Paksha 2026: Begins Saturday, Know if it's 15 or 16 Days of Shraddha Paksha
- •Pitru Paksha 2026 starts on Saturday, September 26, and concludes on Saturday, October 10, with Sarvapitri Amavasya.
- •Both the beginning and end of Pitru Paksha falling on a Saturday this year is considered religiously significant.
- •September 26 marks Bhadrapada Purnima Shraddha, while the regular Pitru Paksha begins on September 27, Sunday, with Krishna Paksha Pratipada Tithi.
- •According to scriptures, Pitru Paksha is always 16 days, but for those who consider it from Pratipada Tithi, it is 15 days.
- •Performing Shraddha, Tarpana, and Pindadaan during this period is believed to grant liberation from Pitru Dosha and bring blessings.
Key Questions Answered
In 2026, Pitru Paksha begins on Saturday, September 26, with Bhadrapada Purnima Shraddha, while regular rituals commence on Sunday, September 27, with Pratipada Tithi. The period concludes on Saturday, October 10, with Sarvapitri Amavasya.
Shraddha Paksha is traditionally 16 days long when including Purnima Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on a full moon day, whereas it is counted as 15 days for those starting strictly from Pratipada Tithi.
Families perform Shraddha, Tarpana, Pindadaan, and Brahmin feeding according to their ancestors' death anniversaries. Using black sesame seeds, making food and clothes donations, and worshipping the Peepal tree are considered especially auspicious during this time.
