A human being’s life is considered connected not only to their present actions but also to the values and traditions and blessings of their ancestors. Our ancestors laid the foundation of the family through their lives, austerities, values, and good deeds. Pitru Paksha is the sacred opportunity to express reverence and gratitude towards them.
The period of Pitru Paksha provides an opportunity to remember our departed ancestors with devotion, offer tarpana and shradh in their name, and express gratitude through charity and virtuous deeds. In the Sanatan tradition, the rituals performed for the ancestors have always been carried out with deep reverence and proper procedure.
In the Upanishads of the Sanatan tradition, there is a clear instruction not to neglect the duties related to the gods and the ancestors. The scriptures state:
Devapitrukaryaabhyam na pramaditavyam.
(देवपितृकार्याभ्यां न प्रमदितव्यम्।)
Matrudevo bhav. pitrudevo bhav.
(मातृदेवो भव। पितृदेवो भव।)
Aacharyadevo bhav. atithidevo bhav॥
(आचार्यदेवो भव। अतिथिदेवो भव॥)
— Taittiriya Upanishad, Shiksha Valli 1.11.2
This means one should not be negligent in the duties related to the gods and the ancestors. One should regard the mother, father, teacher, and guest with the same reverence as one would a deity. This teaching clearly expresses the eternal spirit of respect and duty towards the ancestors.
The word ‘Tarpana’ means “to satisfy” or “to please.” The tradition of offering water with devotion to the ancestors is called Tarpana. Water mixed with black sesame seeds (kale til) and kusha grass is offered while remembering the ancestors.
While performing Tarpana, not only the external ritual but also the inner feeling of devotion is considered important. When a descendant remembers the names and gotra of the ancestors and expresses gratitude, the act becomes a sacred expression of reverence and remembrance.
Pitru Paksha reminds us that our life has progressed through the sacrifices, values, and good deeds of many ancestors. Therefore, remembering the ancestors and offering them reverence during these days is an important part of the Sanatan way of life.
The main materials required for Tarpana are pure water or Ganga water, black sesame seeds, kusha grass, barley (jau), unbroken rice (akshat), flowers, sandalwood paste, and a sacred vessel. Traditionally, vessels made of copper, bronze, or silver are used for Tarpana. Kusha grass holds special importance in ancestral rituals. Therefore, one should perform Tarpana while wearing kusha according to one’s family tradition.
It should also be remembered that there may be some variations in the methods of ancestral rituals across different families and regions. Hence, it is best to give priority to one’s own family customs (kulachar) and the guidance of a qualified priest or acharya.
During Pitru Paksha, Tarpana and Shradh are performed on the designated Shradh date of one’s ancestors. If the Shradh date of any ancestor is not known, or if for some reason the ritual cannot be performed on that day, then Tarpana and charity can be offered with devotion on Sarva Pitru Amavasya for all ancestors.
Tarpana should be performed during the Kutupa period, which falls around midday. It is also appropriate to follow the time prescribed according to one’s family tradition. If there is any doubt regarding the exact date and muhurta for the ancestral ritual, it is advisable to seek guidance from a learned acharya.
During Pitru Paksha, charity and service are also given special importance along with Tarpana. According to one’s capacity, donate food grains, clothes, fruits, dakshina, and necessary items. Feed Brahmins, the needy, and helpless people.
Perform gau-seva, support education, and help any needy family. Service performed in the memory of the ancestors connects our devotion with the welfare of society.
The Upanishads also give primacy to faith in the matter of charity:
shraddhaya deyam. ashraddhaya adeyam.
(श्रद्धया देयम्। अश्रद्धया अदेयम्।)
shriya deyam. hriya deyam.
(श्रिया देयम्। ह्रिया देयम्।)
(भिया देयम्। संविदा देयम्॥)
— Taittiriya Upanishad, Shiksha Valli 1.11.3
This means charity should be given with faith, not without faith. One should give according to one’s capacity, with generosity, humility, and the right feeling.
Therefore, the charity performed during Pitru Paksha is not merely the giving away of an object, but a sacred resolve of devotion, service, and gratitude.
During Pitru Paksha, pay special attention to the purity of mind, speech, and actions. Take sattvic food and stay away from foods considered forbidden according to one’s family tradition. Avoid anger, ego, harsh words, and unnecessary disputes.
Do not insult anyone and maintain compassion, restraint, and humility in your behavior. In these days, remembrance of God, contemplation of the ancestors, and acts of service deepen the feeling of devotion in life.
Pitru Paksha gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our roots. Even if our ancestors are not physically present among us today, their values, teachings, and life principles continue to live in our lives. Therefore, merely completing the ritual of Tarpana is not enough; imbibing the virtues of the ancestors in our own lives is the true tribute to them.
Feed a needy person in their name. Help someone who is helpless. Walk on the path of dharma and service. Carry forward the values in your family. This is what makes the remembrance of the ancestors meaningful.
Sanatan Dharma teaches us that the duties related to the gods and the ancestors should not be neglected. The following verse from the Taittiriya Upanishad reinforces this feeling:
Meaning: One should not be negligent in the duties related to the gods and the ancestors.
Therefore, in this sacred Pitru Paksha, remember your ancestors with devotion. Perform Tarpana according to the prescribed method, offer charity in their name, feed the needy, and pray to Lord Sri Hari for the peace of your family ancestors and the welfare of the family.
Q. When is Pitru Paksha 2026?
A. Pitru Paksha 2026 is observed from 26 September to 10 October 2026. Purnima Shradh falls on 26 September, while the main Pitru Paksha sequence begins with Pratipada Shradh on 27 September and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 10 October 2026.
Q. Is Pitru Paksha starting on 26 September or 27 September 2026?
A. Both dates appear in calendars because 26 September is Purnima Shradh, which is commonly included in the annual Shradh calendar. The main Krishna Paksha sequence begins with Pratipada Shradh on 27 September. Therefore, for practical purposes, Shradh observances are listed from 26 September, while Pitru Paksha proper begins with Pratipada on 27 September.
Q. When does Pitru Paksha 2026 end?
A. Pitru Paksha 2026 concludes on 10 October 2026 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya. This day is traditionally observed for remembering and offering Shradh to ancestors.
Q. What are the Shradh dates and tithis in 2026?
The 2026 Shradh calendar runs from 26 September to 10 October. Shradh is performed according to the lunar tithi associated with an ancestor’s passing. The dates include Purnima, Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya and the subsequent tithis through Sarva Pitru Amavasya. In 2026, some tithis fall on the same calendar date, so the complete tithi-wise calendar should be followed rather than simply counting days.
A. When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is on 10 October 2026. It is the concluding day of Pitru Paksha and is traditionally considered an important day for performing Shradh and remembering ancestors. It is also observed by families when the specific Shradh tithi of an ancestor is not known.
Q. Which day should I perform Shradh for my ancestor in 2026?
A. Shradh is generally performed on the lunar tithi on which the ancestor passed away, rather than on the same Gregorian calendar date every year. Therefore, you should match the ancestor’s death tithi with the corresponding tithi in the 2026 Shradh calendar. Exact dates and timings can vary by location and Panchang tradition.
Q. What if I do not know my ancestor’s death tithi?
A. If the exact death tithi of an ancestor is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally observed for offering Shradh to ancestors whose specific tithi cannot be determined. In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on 10 October.
8. What is the difference between Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan?
A. Shradh refers to the traditional rites performed in remembrance of ancestors. Tarpan involves offering water and other traditional offerings, while Pind Daan involves offering pindas as part of ancestral rituals. These practices can vary according to family traditions, regional customs and the specific ritual being performed.
Q. What is the best time to perform Shradh during Pitru Paksha?
A. Shradh rituals are traditionally performed during the Aparahna period, or afternoon portion of the day. The exact auspicious time depends on the location, tithi and local Panchang, so the timing should be checked for the city where the ritual will be performed.
Q. What are the materials required for Pitru Tarpan?
A. Common materials used for Pitru Tarpan include water, black sesame seeds, kusha grass and flowers, along with other offerings according to family tradition. The exact requirements may differ depending on the regional customs and the type of ancestral ritual being performed.
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