On now: about 26 Sept to 10 Oct 2026
Pitru Paksha
The fortnight of the ancestors, in Bhadrapada, when Hindus make offerings to the dead and no wedding is held.
When is Pitru Paksha in 2026?
Pitru Paksha 2026 runs from 26 September to 10 October 2026. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2027, 15 to 29 September 2027; 2028, 2 to 16 September 2028.
About Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is the fortnight of the dark half of Bhadrapada, in September or October, set aside to remember the ancestors with shraddha rites and food offered at the river. It is not a time for an auspicious beginning, so weddings, engagements and house-warmings are not fixed, and goods are not bought. The last day, Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya, is the main day of the offering. The dates follow the lunar calendar and can differ by a day by region.
Pitru Paksha dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Pitru Paksha date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 September to 10 October 2026 |
| 2027 | 15 to 29 September 2027 |
| 2028 | 2 to 16 September 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
What is served
- kheer
- rice balls
- seasonal vegetables
Also part of it, and being written: Pitru Paksha (The fortnight of ancestors.), Shraddha (The rite of offering to the dead.), Mahalaya (The last day of the fortnight.).
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Background: "Pitru Paksha" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.