Pitru Paksha (Shradh)

The Story

Pitru Paksha is the 15-day period (16 days including Mahalaya) dedicated to honouring deceased ancestors. According to Garuda Purana, the souls of ancestors are temporarily released from their abode and descend to earth expecting their descendants to perform shradh rituals — offerings of food, water, and prayers. If shradh is not performed, the ancestors remain hungry and may curse their lineage. Gaya in Bihar is the most sacred place for Pitru Paksha — Vishnu himself blessed Gaya as the place where performing tarpan liberates ancestors across 100 generations.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Offer tarpan (water with sesame seeds) daily to ancestors, naming them by gotra
• Perform the full Shradh ritual on the tithi corresponding to when each ancestor died
• Feed Brahmins (or any guest) on the shradh day — food given to them reaches the ancestors
• Offer pinda (rice balls) to crows — they are considered messengers of Yama
• Avoid meat, onion, garlic for the 15-day period if possible
• For those without knowing the exact tithi: Sarvapitri Amavasya (the last day) serves for all

Key Mantras

• ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधा नमः
• ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय — पितृपक्षे

Bhog · Festival Foods

Kheer · Puri · Khichdi · Whatever the ancestor preferred in life — offered symbolically

Regional Variants

• · Gaya (Bihar): the most sacred site — pilgrims perform pind daan on the Falgu river
• · Prayagraj: tarpan at the Triveni Sangam
• · South India: Mahalaya Amavasya and Shradh are observed differently by each community
• · Some communities perform annual shradh at Varanasi

Frequently Asked

When is Pitru Paksha (Shradh) in 2026?

Pitru Paksha (Shradh) is listed for September 27 - October 10, 2026 — Pitru Paksha ending on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. in India. Always confirm local panchang or official holiday notices for regional date variations.

Is Pitru Paksha (Shradh) a public holiday?

Public holiday status for Pitru Paksha (Shradh) in India can vary by country, state, institution, and local calendar. Check official holiday notices for your location.

Why is Pitru Paksha (Shradh) celebrated?

Pitru Paksha is the 15-day period (16 days including Mahalaya) dedicated to honouring deceased ancestors. According to Garuda Purana, the souls of ancestors are temporarily released from their abode and descend to earth…

How is Pitru Paksha (Shradh) celebrated at home?

Offer tarpan (water with sesame seeds) daily to ancestors, naming them by gotra Perform the full Shradh ritual on the tithi corresponding to when each ancestor died Feed Brahmins (or any guest) on the shradh day — food given to…

What food or prasad is prepared for Pitru Paksha (Shradh)?

Common foods and offerings include Kheer, Puri, Khichdi, Whatever the ancestor preferred in life — offered symbolically.

What are the regional names of Pitru Paksha (Shradh)?

Pitru Paksha (Shradh) is also associated with names or regional forms such as पितृपक्ष / श्राद्ध, Gaya (Bihar): the most sacred site — pilgrims perform pind daan on the Falgu river, Prayagraj: tarpan at the Triveni Sangam, South India: Mahalaya Amavasya and Shradh are observed differently by each community, Some communities perform annual shradh at Varanasi.

Dates · Next 5 Years