Pitru Paksha is considered an important period for remembering and honouring ancestors. In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 26. During these days, people traditionally perform rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, charity and Pind Daan for the peace of their ancestors.
Among the various dates during Pitru Paksha, Navami and Amavasya are considered particularly significant. While Matru Navami is associated with maternal ancestors, Pitru Paksha Amavasya is observed for ancestors whose death date is unknown, as well as those who may have been forgotten.
Here is what these two dates signify according to religious beliefs.
Matru Navami is dedicated to maternal ancestors
The ninth day of Pitru Paksha is known as Matru Navami and is dedicated to maternal ancestors. According to the religious beliefs mentioned in the source, Shraddha is performed on this day for mothers, sisters and daughters who passed away while their husbands were alive. The day is also observed for maternal ancestors whose exact date of death is not known.
It is believed that performing Shraddha and Tarpan on Matru Navami helps bring peace to departed maternal ancestors, and their blessings can bring happiness and prosperity to the family. In 2026, Matru Navami Shraddha will be observed on October 4. The source also states that those performing Shraddha on this day should feed women or offer them gifts. Feeding a Brahmin's wife is particularly mentioned as part of the traditional observance.
Why Pitru Paksha Amavasya is considered important
Pitru Paksha concludes with Amavasya Shraddha, making the final day particularly significant. In 2026, Pitru Paksha Amavasya will fall on October 10. According to religious beliefs, Shraddha on this day is performed for ancestors whose exact date of death is not known. It is also associated with ancestors who died in accidents or natural disasters.
Amavasya Shraddha is also performed for forgotten ancestors, with the belief that the rituals help bring peace to their souls. The day is also considered significant for charity and acts of service. According to the source, donating and feeding animals such as cows, dogs and crows, as well as feeding ants, are considered auspicious on Amavasya Shraddha.
Light a lamp for ancestors on Amavasya
Amavasya marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, and according to traditional belief, ancestors return from the earthly realm after this period. The source states that even if a person does not perform Shraddha or Tarpan, they should light a lamp in the south direction in remembrance of their ancestors on Amavasya.
According to religious belief, doing so may bring the blessings of the ancestors to the family. Therefore, those observing Pitru Paksha in 2026 may pay particular attention to October 4, the day of Matru Navami Shraddha, and October 10, the day of Amavasya Shraddha.
Pitru Paksha 2026 dates to remember
Pitru Paksha begins on September 26, 2026, and the period concludes with Amavasya Shraddha on October 10. While different Shraddha dates are associated with different ancestors, Matru Navami and Amavasya have their own significance according to traditional beliefs.
Matru Navami is specifically associated with maternal ancestors, while Amavasya provides an opportunity to remember ancestors whose death dates are unknown, those who died in accidents or natural disasters, and those who may have been forgotten.
Disclaimer: The information given here is based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. There is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. India TV does not vouch for the accuracy of any of the religious beliefs mentioned above.
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Navratri 2026 dates, check full Shardiya Navratri calendar from Ghatasthapana to Dussehra
