Pitru Paksha 2026: 26 September–10 October
See the full observance guideA seasonal guide for families living abroad
The suitable Shradh tithi begins with your family’s tradition and the lunar death tithi, when it is known. This guide explains the main timing choices, the Pitru Paksha 2026 dates and how to proceed when relatives cannot travel to India.
Shradh tithi · Annual remembrance · Pitru Paksha 2026Guidance in Hindi or English
2026 dates are clear26 September–10 October
Tithi comes firstKnown details guide the date
Travel or onlineThe ceremony remains at the tirtha
Family custom is respectedGuidance without fear or haste
A simple place to begin
This one detail usually gives the family its clearest starting point. If it is uncertain, say so openly; there is no need to guess.
When the tithi is known
Families commonly observe the annual lunar death tithi. During Pitru Paksha, the corresponding tithi may be requested after confirming it with the pandit.
When the tithi is uncertain
During Pitru Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya may be considered when the exact tithi is not known. The family circumstances should still be explained before the day is fixed.
A family instruction comes first. If an elder or family priest has already prescribed a particular tithi or tirtha, share that guidance before choosing from a general calendar.
The main timing windows
These are not competing dates. Each serves a different family circumstance.
Seasonal observance
From 26 September to 10 October. When the death tithi is known, families commonly request the corresponding day within the fortnight.
Yearly remembrance
The corresponding lunar death tithi may be observed each year according to the family tradition and the guidance being followed.
When traditionally observed
Some families observe Amavasya. During Pitru Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya may also be considered when the exact tithi is unknown.
A special circumstance
When the family situation involves a separate rite or a specific instruction, first understand what is intended instead of choosing from a generic date list.
A restrained traditional reminder
The Skanda Purana, Book VI (Nagara Khanda), chapter 218, verse 4, connects Shraddha with sincere faith. The tithi should therefore be approached with steadiness and respect, not as a cause for anxiety.
Two practical ways to proceed
The family’s practical path may differ, but the selected ceremony is performed physically at the tirtha in India.
When travelling
Settle the ceremony date first, then plan the journey with reasonable time around it. Carry the family details and any instruction that should guide the observance.
Read the NRI pre-travel checklistWhen travel is not possible
The appointed pandit and samagri remain at the selected place. Your family joins at the confirmed time via live video conferencing and follows the Sankalp and principal ceremony steps.
See the online Shradh choicesWhen the date and seva are understood
Begin with the tirtha remembered by your family, then compare the current price and exact inclusions before booking.
Phalgu and Vishnupad area
A fuller Gaya Shradh arrangement with the offerings stated on the package page.
Har Ki Pauri
For families choosing Haridwar and the Shradh inclusions named in this arrangement.
Brij Ghat, Garh Mukteshwar
For families who remember Garh Ganga as their ancestral tirtha for the observance.
Triveni Sangam
A combined Prayagraj arrangement; review each included seva before choosing it.
Before the date is confirmed
One family coordinator can gather the known details and receive the confirmed Indian ceremony time. This keeps the discussion gentle and avoids conflicting instructions when relatives live in different time zones.
Questions NRI families often ask
A special family custom should always be shared. These answers provide a calm starting point for the discussion.
When the lunar death tithi is known, begin by discussing that corresponding tithi with the pandit. During Pitru Paksha, families commonly request the Shradh day that matches it. A clear family instruction from an elder or family priest should be shared before the date is settled.
Do not guess. Share the date information and family circumstances that are known. During Pitru Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya may be considered with the pandit’s guidance when the exact tithi is uncertain.
Yes, families may observe the annual lunar death tithi, and some traditions also observe Amavasya. The suitable day depends on the family custom and the particular remembrance, so confirm the intended observance before booking.
Yes. The appointed pandit performs the selected ceremony physically at the tirtha in India. The family details are spoken in the Sankalp, and relatives abroad may join via live video conferencing at the confirmed time.
The featured Shradh choices are in Gaya, Haridwar and Garh Ganga. The Prayagraj choice is a separate combined arrangement that also names Pind Daan and Gau Daan. Review the exact inclusions on the product page before choosing.
Keep the Karta’s name, gotra if known, the names and relationships of the departed family members, the death tithi if known, the preferred tirtha and one family coordinator’s details ready. Uncertain information should be discussed rather than guessed.
When your family is ready
Confirm the Shradh tithi, tirtha and exact ceremony first. Then review the available online arrangements if travel is not possible.