Pitru Paksha 2026: Dos And Don'ts To Follow While Honouring Your Ancestors
· Free Press Journal
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and honouring departed ancestors. During these days, families traditionally perform Shraddha rituals, offer food and water, and pray for the peace of their ancestors' souls.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha is being observed from Bhadrapada Purnima on September 26, 2026. During this period, celebrations and the purchase of new things are traditionally avoided. Keep reading to know more about the essential dos and don'ts to follow during Pitru Paksha.
Visit syntagm.co.za for more information.
Pitru Paksha begins today + Sun enters Hasta + Moon in Revati
— A K (Vedic Astrologer) ಎ ಕೆ (@AK_Aspire) September 27, 2026
From today, the regular tithi Shraddhas begin with Pratipada Shraddha
Moon is in revati, whose devata is Pushan. Sun, the pitru karaka, entered Hasta, whose devata is Savitar.
In Rigveda, both Pushan and Savitar are…
Dos
During Pitru Paksha, rituals can be performed at home or at holy places such as Gaya, Varanasi and Haridwar. Visiting sacred sites such as these is considered auspicious for performing ancestral rituals.
During these days, families traditionally prepare foods such as rice, vegetable dishes and lentils and offer them to Brahmins and crows, who are traditionally believed to be associated with the ancestors.
Prepare Pindas, which are balls made of rice and barley mixed with other ingredients, and offer them to the ancestors. They symbolise the physical bodies of the departed and are traditionally offered as part of Shraddha rituals.
Pitru Paksha 2026
— Shivani (@Astro_Healer_Sh) September 26, 2026
In 2026, the observance begins with Purnima Shraddha on 26 September and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on 10 October. The Shraddha for an ancestor is traditionally performed according to the tithi of their demise.
Pitru Paksha, also called Shraddha… pic.twitter.com/bYfpSx3hwL
Apart from this, offer water mixed with sesame seeds, barley and Kusha grass while chanting mantras. This ritual, known as Tarpan, is traditionally performed as an offering to the departed.
It is also customary to donate food, clothes, money and other essential items to those in need. Reciting mantras such as "Om Pitru Devatabhyo Namaha" is also part of ancestral worship for many devotees.
Don'ts
Certain activities are traditionally avoided during the Pitru Paksha period. Devotees generally consume sattvic food and avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
Many families also refrain from purchasing new clothes, footwear and other items during this period. According to traditional beliefs, purchasing a new house and performing Griha Pravesh are also avoided.
Some traditions also advise devotees to avoid visiting certain temples and religious sites during Pitru Paksha. However, practices can vary depending on regional and family traditions.
When Is Bhadrapada Purnima? Know Date, Rituals, Muhurat And Significance#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Pitru Paksha rituals begin at Pishach Mochan Kund. People gather to perform Pind Daan and Tarpan for their ancestors. pic.twitter.com/9ALroe5QuE
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026
Major celebrations and auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, starting a new business and housewarming ceremonies are traditionally avoided during this period. Some families also avoid celebrating other major occasions, cutting hair and undertaking certain other activities.
The customs and restrictions followed during Pitru Paksha can vary across communities, regions and family traditions.