Pitru Paksha 2026: Hindu rituals for honoring ancestors begin September 26

Pitru Paksha, a 16-day sacred period in Sanatana Dharma dedicated to honoring ancestors through rituals such as Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan, is scheduled to begin on September 26, 2026, and conclude on October 10, 2026.

Devotees across India participate in various traditions. In Prayagraj, crowds gather at the Triveni Sangam for offerings, following a tradition linked to Lord Rama. In Mathura, Manipuri Vaishnavas maintain a centuries-old connection to the region, performing rituals at Radha Kund and Shiv Kund to seek salvation for their departed kin. Other significant pilgrimage sites include Kashi and Gaya.

Religious experts and Vastu practitioners suggest specific preparations for the period. To invite ancestral blessings and avoid 'Pitru Dosh', it is advised to clean homes of broken mirrors, cracked glassware, and damaged religious idols. Rituals such as feeding cows, offering food to the needy, and providing water and grain to birds are recommended.

Specific rules govern the performance of Shradh: it should generally be performed during the afternoon, and certain restrictions apply, such as not performing rituals during the first year after a person's death or during the night. For those who have died due to accidental or unnatural causes, rituals are traditionally performed on the Chaturdashi तिथि.