NEW DELHI : In Sanatan Dharma, ancestors are regarded with deep reverence and are traditionally worshipped through rituals such as Shraddha during Pitru Paksha. This period is dedicated to remembering and paying respects to departed family members.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha is stated to begin on September 26. During these 15-16 days, Shraddha rituals are performed according to the tithi associated with the ancestor’s death. But how do you determine which day is meant for a particular ancestor?
How is the Shraddha date determined?
The date for performing Shraddha is traditionally determined by the tithi on which the ancestor passed away, rather than simply using the date shown on the English calendar.
For example, if a person died on the second tithi of a fortnight, their Shraddha is performed on the second tithi during Pitru Paksha. According to the information provided, the second day of Pitru Paksha in 2026 falls on September 28.
Similarly, families can identify the death tithi of their ancestor and perform the Shraddha on the corresponding tithi during Pitru Paksha.
The tradition specifically emphasises determining the death tithi according to the Hindu lunar calendar, rather than using the corresponding date from the Gregorian or English calendar.
When is Matru Navami observed?
There are also specific days associated with particular circumstances. According to Hindu religious beliefs, the Shraddha of mothers, sisters and daughters who passed away while their husbands were alive can be performed on the ninth day of Pitru Paksha.
This day is known as Matru Navami. It is traditionally considered an important occasion for remembering and offering Shraddha to female ancestors.
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
If the exact death date or tithi of an ancestor is not known, or if the person died in circumstances such as an accident or natural disaster, Shraddha can traditionally be performed on Amavasya, the new moon day of Pitru Paksha.
This day is known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. According to religious beliefs, performing Shraddha on this day is a way of remembering ancestors whose specific death tithi may not be known.
When is Shraddha performed for a sanyasi?
There is also a separate tradition for family members who had taken sanyas before their death.
According to the religious beliefs mentioned in the source, their Shraddha is considered appropriate on the Ekadashi or Dwadashi tithi of Pitru Paksha.
Thus, the date of Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is traditionally not chosen randomly. The death tithi of the ancestor is used to determine the corresponding day, while specific circumstances may call for particular tithis such as Matru Navami, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Ekadashi or Dwadashi.
