Shradh 2026 Dates: Pitru Paksha Start, End and Complete Tithi List

Shradh 2026, also known as Pitru Paksha, will be observed from late September to October, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya falling on October 10, 2026. Panchang-based sources differ slightly on whether September 26 should be counted as Purnima Shraddha or September 27 as the formal beginning of the Pitru Paksha Shraddha sequence; the first Pratipada Shraddha is listed for September 27.

For families planning annual ancestral rituals, the important dates include the individual Shraddha tithis from Pratipada through Amavasya, along with specific observances such as Ashtami Shraddha, Navami Shraddha and Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

When does Shradh 2026 start and end?

The Pitru Paksha period in 2026 runs through September and October, ending with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. Several current Panchang-based reports list September 27 as the first Pratipada Shraddha, while September 26 is associated with Purnima Shraddha in calendars that include it as the opening observance.

This distinction matters because people searching for the Shradh 2026 start date may see both September 26 and September 27 online. The difference comes from whether the preceding Purnima Shraddha is included in the Pitru Paksha observance or the calendar begins the main sequence with Krishna Paksha Pratipada.

What are the Shradh 2026 dates?

The following calendar gives the main Shraddha sequence for 2026:

The tithi-based observances are determined according to the lunar calendar rather than simply assigning one Shraddha to every consecutive civil date. Drik Panchang separately lists the 2026 dates for individual tithis including Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Shashthi, Ashtami and Amavasya Shraddha.

What is the date of Ashtami Shradh 2026?

Ashtami Shraddha is observed on October 3, 2026, according to the 2026 Pitru Paksha calendar for New Delhi. Ashtami Shraddha is traditionally associated with deceased family members whose death occurred on Ashtami tithi.

The exact ritual timing can depend on the location and local Panchang calculations, so families performing the ceremony should check the local timings rather than relying only on the date.

What is the date of Navami Shradh 2026?

Navami Shraddha falls on October 4, 2026 in the 2026 Pitru Paksha sequence.

Navami is one of the specific lunar tithis used to determine when Shraddha is performed for an ancestor. Ritual timing should be checked according to the local Panchang because sunrise, tithi and muhurat calculations can vary by location.

What is Pitra Shradh and who should perform it?

Shraddha refers to Hindu ancestral rites performed in remembrance of deceased family members. During Pitru Paksha, families traditionally perform offerings and rituals associated with their ancestors.

The particular Shraddha tithi is generally connected with the tithi on which the ancestor died, rather than simply choosing a date based on convenience. The tradition therefore makes the lunar tithi important when planning the ceremony.

What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya will fall on October 10, 2026, marking the final day of the Pitru Paksha period. It is also known as Mahalaya Amavasya and is widely observed as the concluding ancestral remembrance day.

It is particularly relevant for families who are unable to identify the exact death tithi of an ancestor or who follow the customary observance associated with Amavasya. Specific practices can differ between families and regional traditions.

What should be avoided during Shradh?

Practices followed during Pitru Paksha vary by family, community and regional tradition, so there is no single universal list of restrictions applicable to every Hindu household.

Common traditional observances may include maintaining a simple routine, performing ancestral rituals with appropriate offerings and avoiding activities that a particular family tradition considers unsuitable during the period.

Claims that particular actions will automatically cause misfortune should be treated as religious beliefs rather than established factual effects.

What if a child is born during Shradh?

A child being born during Pitru Paksha does not mean the child is inherently unlucky or carries a negative consequence. Birth during this period is a normal occurrence, while beliefs about the religious or astrological significance of the timing differ among traditions.

Families concerned about the child's horoscope or specific rituals should consult a qualified practitioner using the child's exact birth date, time and location rather than relying on a general statement about Pitru Paksha.

How many Shradh are there in 2026?

The main Pitru Paksha sequence covers the lunar tithis from Pratipada through Amavasya, while some calendars additionally list Purnima Shraddha immediately before the main sequence.

This is why different websites may describe the number of Shraddha observances differently. The calendar structure, regional Panchang and whether Purnima Shraddha is counted can affect the presentation.

Shradh 2026: Quick Q&A

When does Shradh 2026 start?

The first Pratipada Shraddha is September 27, 2026. September 26 is also listed as Purnima Shraddha by several calendars, which explains the commonly reported one-day difference.

When does Shradh 2026 end?

Pitru Paksha concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026.

What is the date of 8th Shradh in 2026?

Ashtami Shraddha is October 3, 2026 in the New Delhi Panchang calculation.

What is the date of 9th Shradh in 2026?

Navami Shraddha is October 4, 2026 in the 2026 Pitru Paksha sequence.