Pratipada Shradh is the first day of Pitrupaksha proper — the beginning of the Krishna Paksha fortnight during which ancestors are believed to descend from Pitru Loka to receive offerings from their living descendants. In 2026, Pratipada Shradh falls on Sunday, September 27. This day carries a distinctive significance: it is primarily dedicated to honouring maternal grandparents (Nana and Nani) and all ancestors who departed on a Pratipada Tithi across both Shukla and Krishna Pakshas. The rite performed on this day is also known as Padwa Shradh, and its observance is believed to bring harmony, prosperity, and the blessings of the maternal lineage to the household.
What Is Pratipada Shradh?
Pratipada (प्रतिपदा) is the first lunar day of any paksha, and Pratipada Shradh during Pitrupaksha is performed for the souls of those who departed on this tithi. The word pratipada itself means “the first step” — and fittingly, this Shradh marks the first step of the ancestral fortnight.
What makes Pratipada Shradh uniquely meaningful is its specific association with the maternal lineage. The Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu — authoritative texts on Hindu rite — explicitly state that Pratipada Shradh is the prescribed day for honouring one’s maternal grandfather and grandmother (Nana-Nani), whether or not they departed on this specific tithi. This makes it one of the few Shradh days in Pitrupaksha that carries a lineage-specific duty alongside a tithi-specific one.
In North Indian tradition, this day is also known as Padwa Shradh (from padwa, a dialectal form of pratipada). In many families, Pratipada Shradh is the first Shradh performed in a newly bereaved household — the soul of the recently departed is believed to begin its journey to Pitru Loka on Pratipada, making this day especially tender and significant for families who have lost someone in the past year.
Additionally, if the Shradh at the maternal home cannot be performed — whether because no male heir is present in that family or because the family is unaware of the custom — the obligation transfers to the wife’s family. A son-in-law who performs Pratipada Shradh for his wife’s parents is performing a profoundly meritorious act according to the texts.
Pratipada Shradh 2026: Date and Muhurat
In 2026, Ashwina Krishna Pratipada falls on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This is Day 1 of Pitrupaksha, the day immediately following Purnima Shradh (September 26).
Auspicious Muhurats for Pratipada Shradh 2026 (approx. for North India):
- Kutup Muhurat: 11:44 AM – 12:31 PM (most sacred window; first priority)
- Rohina Muhurat: 12:31 PM – 1:17 PM (also very auspicious)
- Aparahna Kala: 1:17 PM – 3:36 PM (valid period for all Pitru rites)
The Pratipada Tithi begins on the evening of September 26 (after Purnima ends) and prevails through the morning hours of September 27, making September 27 the appropriate day for performing the rite during the Aparahna window.
For those performing the rite at Prayagraj, the pandit at Triveni Sangam will confirm the exact local timings. It is advisable to arrive at the ghat before 10:00 AM to complete preparations and take the ritual bath before the Kutup Muhurat begins.
Who Should Perform Shradh on Pratipada?
The tradition identifies several categories of people for whom Pratipada Shradh is especially prescribed:
- Those whose ancestors departed on Pratipada Tithi — both Shukla Pratipada and Krishna Pratipada of any month qualify; the Pitrupaksha Pratipada covers both
- Those performing Shradh for maternal grandparents (Nana-Nani) — even if the maternal grandparents passed on a different tithi, the Dharmasindhu authorises Pratipada as the correct day for this specific honour
- Families where no one is performing the Shradh at the maternal home — a son-in-law or nephew from the maternal side may perform the rite on behalf of the maternal family
- Those who do not know the exact death tithi of their maternal ancestors — Pratipada Shradh covers such cases fully
- Newly bereaved families — if someone passed away in the twelve months before Pitrupaksha 2026, their first Pratipada Shradh during this Pitrupaksha carries the highest merit
There is a beautiful principle behind this dual function of Pratipada: just as the first day of any cycle sets the tone for all that follows, performing Shradh on Pratipada with intention and care sets a spiritually auspicious foundation for the entire Pitrupaksha fortnight.
Rituals and Procedures for Pratipada Shradh
The rituals of Pratipada Shradh follow the standard Parvan Shradh sequence, but with specific mantra variations for the maternal lineage:
1. Purvanga (Preparatory Rites)
The performer wakes before sunrise, bathes in a sacred river or at home with Ganga Jal added to the water, and puts on fresh, clean clothing — ideally white or undyed fabric. The kitchen is cleaned, and food preparations begin with pure, sattvik ingredients: rice, barley, sesame, ghee, milk, honey, and seasonal fruits.
2. Pitru Avahan (Invocation of Ancestors)
The pandit performs a ritual invocation, calling the maternal ancestors by name (using the gotra of the maternal family) to descend and receive the offerings. Kusha grass is spread on the ground or on a copper plate as a sacred seat (asana) for the ancestors.
3. Tarpan
For maternal ancestors, Tarpan is offered from the left hand (as opposed to the right hand used for paternal ancestors), with water mixed with black sesame and kusha grass. Three rounds of offerings are made: one for the maternal grandfather, one for the maternal grandmother, and one for all preceding maternal ancestors. Specific Vedic mantras from the Tarpan section of the Yajur Veda are recited.
4. Pind Daan for Maternal Lineage
Three pindas are typically prepared for the maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, and the maternal great-grandfather. The pindas are placed on kusha grass with sesame, and specific mantras for maternal ancestors (matra-pitamaha) are recited. The Pind Daan procedure at a sacred tirtha like Triveni Sangam greatly enhances the spiritual value of these offerings.
5. Brahmin Bhoj
The Brahmin feast on Pratipada Shradh should include preparations that honour the maternal side of the family — if you know your maternal grandparents had specific food preferences, these are offered as a gesture of personal remembrance alongside the standard ritual foods. The presiding Brahmin is honoured as the living proxy of the maternal ancestors.
6. Cow and Crow Feeding
Before the family eats, portions of food are set aside for a cow, a crow, and a dog — all considered sacred intermediaries between the world of the living and Pitru Loka. The crow in particular is associated with departed ancestors in Hindu tradition, and feeding a crow on Pratipada is considered a direct offering to the maternal lineage.
Significance in Hindu Scriptures
The Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) contains a moving passage about the significance of honouring the maternal lineage during Pitrupaksha: “The man who neglects his mother’s parents commits a debt that no wealth can repay; but the man who honours them on Pratipada Shradh earns their eternal blessings.”
The Garuda Purana (Preta Khanda) further explains that the souls of maternal ancestors occupy a distinct level of Pitru Loka from paternal ancestors. They are said to watch over the prosperity and health of their daughter’s family and grandchildren with particular emotional investment. Performing Pratipada Shradh is the most direct way to satisfy their longings and release any Pitru Rin (ancestral debt) owed to the maternal line.
The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana also notes that Pratipada Shradh during Pitrupaksha has special efficacy because it coincides with the very moment when the ancestral souls first enter the terrestrial plane for their annual visit. The first offerings they receive — on Pratipada — are said to set the tone of the entire visit and determine the quality of blessings they bestow.
Do’s and Don’ts for Pratipada Shradh
Follow These Practices
- Prepare kheer (rice pudding with milk and sugar) — maternal ancestors are particularly pleased by this offering
- Offer white flowers, especially jasmine or mogra — these are associated with the feminine and maternal energy
- Remember and recite the names of maternal grandparents during the rite — personal remembrance enhances the spiritual connection
- If possible, invite a female Brahmin (Brahmin woman) to receive a portion of the Brahmin bhoj — this specifically honours the grandmother (Nani)
- Light two lamps — one for the maternal grandfather, one for the maternal grandmother
- Perform the rite at a sacred tirtha if at all possible — the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is especially recommended
Avoid These on Pratipada Shradh
- Do not mix paternal and maternal Tarpan in a single continuous stream — the mantras and hand positions differ; follow the pandit’s instructions carefully
- Do not use iron or steel vessels for the rite; use copper, clay, or banana leaf
- Do not perform the rite after sunset; the ancestral portal is open only during daylight hours
- Avoid starting new ventures or auspicious events (weddings, engagements, etc.) on this day
- Do not eat before completing the Brahmin bhoj and the crow/cow feeding
Perform Pratipada Shradh with Prayag Pandits
The opening day of Pitrupaksha is among the most auspicious times to visit Triveni Sangam and perform ancestral rites at the sacred confluence. Prayag Pandits has been conducting Pratipada Shradh ceremonies for families from across India and abroad for many years. Our pandits are proficient in the distinct mantras for maternal lineage Shradh and will ensure the rite is performed with full Vedic correctness.
Whether you are performing Pratipada Shradh for the first time, honouring recently departed grandparents, or continuing a family tradition — our team will guide you through every step with reverence and expertise. We also assist NRIs and those unable to travel by performing the Shradh on their behalf at Triveni Sangam.
For context on the full Pitrupaksha schedule, see our comprehensive Pitrupaksha 2026 guide. If your ancestor’s departure was on Purnima, read about Purnima Shradh. For the following day’s rites, see Dwitiya Shradh.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pratipada Shradh
Explore the full scope of ancestral rites in our Pitrupaksha guide. Learn about how to perform Pind Daan, the special significance of Gaya Pind Daan, and why the Shradh resolves ancestral debts.