📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Goutam1962
Religion
Pitru Paksha 2026 Begins on Sep 27, Key Dates and Tarpan Guidelines Released
✍️ Aaj Tak
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 07:10 AM
👁 10
The Hindu mourning period Pitru Paksha for 2026 started on September 27, with Aaj Tak outlining the main observance dates up to the Sarvapithru Amavasya on October 10 and the correct rituals.
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraadh, is a fortnight dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. This year it commenced on 27 September 2026, according to the Hindu calendar.
The period runs until the new‑moon day of Sarvapithru Amavasya on 10 October 2026. During these days, Hindus perform rites such as offering food (tarpan) and water to the souls of their forebears, typically at home altars or near rivers.
Aaj Tak has published a guide detailing the sequence of rituals, including the preparation of rice, barley and sesame seeds, recitation of specific mantras, and the importance of observing purity rules like abstaining from non‑vegetarian food and alcohol.
The guide also highlights special dates within the fortnight, such as the first and last days of the lunar month, which are considered especially auspicious for performing Shraadh. Families are advised to consult priests for precise timing based on the local lunar calendar.
Authorities remind devotees to follow COVID‑19 safety protocols where applicable, and to respect community guidelines while gathering for collective rites.
The period runs until the new‑moon day of Sarvapithru Amavasya on 10 October 2026. During these days, Hindus perform rites such as offering food (tarpan) and water to the souls of their forebears, typically at home altars or near rivers.
Aaj Tak has published a guide detailing the sequence of rituals, including the preparation of rice, barley and sesame seeds, recitation of specific mantras, and the importance of observing purity rules like abstaining from non‑vegetarian food and alcohol.
The guide also highlights special dates within the fortnight, such as the first and last days of the lunar month, which are considered especially auspicious for performing Shraadh. Families are advised to consult priests for precise timing based on the local lunar calendar.
Authorities remind devotees to follow COVID‑19 safety protocols where applicable, and to respect community guidelines while gathering for collective rites.