We all love our family. Our parents and grandparents often pass down the values we carry today. Whether it is kindness, respect, honesty, or compassion. In Indian culture, our elders are the most respected. It is because they show us the right direction in life and teach us values that stay with us forever.
Even after they are gone, their blessings and memories guide us still. This is the thought behind Pitru Paksha, a sacred time dedicated to remembering and honouring our ancestors.
Date, Tithi and Shubh Muhurat
Pitru Paksha Begins: 26 September 2026
Pitru Paksha Ends: 10 October 2026
Tithi: Begins on Purnima Tithi and concludes on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Shraddha is usually performed on the same lunar tithi on which the ancestor passed away.
Shubh Muhurat: Shradh and Tarpan are performed during the Aparahna Kaal. Please check the local Panchang for the exact timings in your city.
What is Pitru Paksh?
The word ‘Pitru’ means ‘ancestors’, and ‘Paksha’ means ‘a fortnight’. Pitru Paksha is observed for 16 days during the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. During this time, families remember their departed parents, grandparents, and forefathers by performing Shraddha and Tarpan and offering prayers in their memory.
It is believed that during these sixteen days, the souls of our ancestors visit the earthly realm. By offering prayers and food in their name, devotees seek their blessings and pray for their peace.
Why is Pitru Paksh important?
Pitru Paksha reminds us that while we celebrate life, we should also remember the people who made our lives possible. It is a way of expressing gratitude towards our ancestors and thanking them for the values, traditions, and blessings they have passed on to us.
According to Hindu beliefs, remembering and honouring our ancestors brings peace to their souls and blessings to the family. It also reminds us that our roots continue to guide us through every stage of life.
What is Pitru Dosha?
According to Vedic astrology, Pitru Dosha occurs when ancestral duties remain incomplete. Or when ancestors are not remembered by performing proper rituals. Practitioners say that Pitru Dosha may create obstacles in career, marriage, finances, or family life.
Many people perform Shraddha and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha to seek their ancestors’ blessings and pray for peace, harmony, and prosperity.
How to perform rituals during Pitru Paksh?
The most common way to honour ancestors during Pitru Paksha is by performing Shraddha and Tarpan. Devotees offer water, black sesame seeds, cooked rice, and prayers in memory of their departed family members.
Many people also donate food, clothes, and other essentials to those in need. This period is considered auspicious for feeding cows, crows, and Brahmins. Some families prepare the favourite dishes of their ancestors and offer them with devotion before distributing food as charity.
Origin and History of Pitru Paksh
The Mahabharata links the origin of Pitru Paksha to ancient times. According to the legend, after Karna reached heaven, the gods offered him gold and jewels instead of food because during his lifetime, he had donated wealth but had never offered food or water in the name of his ancestors.
When Karna asked the reason, they allowed him to return to Earth for sixteen days to perform rituals and offer food to his ancestors. Since then, people have observed these sixteen days as Pitru Paksha, reminding them to honour their forefathers through prayers, charity and gratitude.
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha is more than a time for rituals. It is an opportunity to remember our roots and express gratitude to the people who shaped our lives. Whether through prayers, charity, or simply remembering their teachings, this sacred period reminds us that while people may leave us, their values and blessings continue to live on through every generation.