Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 will be observed on Saturday, October 10, marking the conclusion of Pitru Paksha. Also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, Pitru Visarjan Amavasya and Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya, the day is traditionally dedicated to remembering and honouring departed ancestors.
In 2026, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 9 at 9:35 pm and ends on October 10 at 9:19 pm in India. Shraddha rituals are traditionally performed during the Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat and Aparahna period on October 10. Exact timings can vary depending on the location, so devotees should consult their local Panchang.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the final day of the annual Pitru Paksha period. The day is considered particularly significant for families who wish to perform Shraddha for ancestors whose exact death Tithi is unknown or whose regular annual Shraddha could not be performed.
According to Hindu traditions, families perform Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan to remember their ancestors and pray for their peace. The observance is also associated with gratitude, remembrance and continuing family traditions.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 date and time
| Details | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Saturday, October 10, 2026 |
| Amavasya Tithi begins | October 9, 9:35 pm |
| Amavasya Tithi ends | October 10, 9:19 pm |
| Shraddha period | Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna |
| Significance | Final day of Pitru Paksha |
The timings above are based on India/New Delhi calculations and may vary slightly by location.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya Tarpan Vidhi
Tarpan is one of the key rituals performed during Pitru Paksha. It involves offering water while remembering and paying respects to departed ancestors.
A commonly followed Tarpan procedure includes:
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the area where the ritual will be performed.
- Keep water, black sesame seeds and Kusha grass ready, if these are part of your family tradition.
- Take a Sankalp in remembrance of your ancestors.
- Offer water mixed with black sesame while remembering the departed family members.
- Recite appropriate Pitru mantras or prayers.
- Complete the Shraddha-related offerings according to family tradition.
The exact procedure can differ according to regional customs, community practices and family traditions.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya Puja rituals
The observance is not limited to fasting. Shraddha, Tarpan, food offerings, prayers and charity are central to the day's traditions.
1. Take an early morning bath
Devotees traditionally begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes before preparing for the rituals.
2. Take Sankalp
A Sankalp is taken before beginning the ceremony, with devotees remembering their ancestors and praying for their peace.
3. Perform Shraddha
Shraddha is performed during the appropriate daytime period. Families may prepare traditional food and other offerings according to their customs.
4. Perform Pind Daan
Where it is part of the family's tradition, Pind Daan may be performed using ingredients such as rice and sesame. The exact method varies among communities.
5. Perform Tarpan
Water and black sesame are offered while remembering the ancestors. The ritual is traditionally performed with reverence and gratitude.
6. Offer food
Food prepared for Shraddha is offered according to family customs. In some traditions, food is also offered to animals such as cows, dogs and crows.
7. Charity and Dakshina
Many families donate food, clothes, grains, sesame and other useful items. Feeding Brahmins or people in need and offering Dakshina are also traditional practices associated with Pitru observances.
8. Light a diya
Devotees may light a diya and offer prayers for the peace of their departed ancestors.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya Vrat Vidhi
There is no single compulsory fasting rule followed by every family on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. The day is primarily associated with ancestral prayers and Shraddha rituals rather than a universal fast.
Those who observe a vrat may follow a simple or sattvic diet according to their family tradition and health. The focus remains on prayer, remembrance, Tarpan, Shraddha and charity.
What to donate on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Charity is traditionally considered an important part of Pitru Paksha. Depending on family customs and individual capacity, devotees may donate:
- Food grains
- Black sesame seeds
- Clothes
- Fruits
- Cooked food
- Water
- Cow fodder
- Essential household items
- Dakshina
Feeding those in need and making charitable offerings in memory of ancestors are also associated with the observance.
What to avoid on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Practices vary between families and regions, but during Pitru Paksha many devotees traditionally:
- Avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
- Avoid unnecessary arguments and conflict.
- Maintain cleanliness during rituals.
- Avoid wastage of food.
- Keep the day focused on remembrance and prayers rather than celebrations.
These are matters of tradition and can differ between households.
Why is Sarva Pitru Amavasya important?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya provides an opportunity to collectively remember departed family members, particularly ancestors whose death Tithi is unknown or whose Shraddha could not be performed on the appropriate day.
The observance marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha 2026, which began with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10.
Pitru Paksha ends, Navratri begins
The conclusion of Pitru Paksha on October 10 is followed by the beginning of Shardiya Navratri on October 11, 2026. This marks a transition from the period traditionally devoted to ancestral remembrance and Shraddha to the nine-day festival dedicated to Maa Durga.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is therefore considered an important day in the Hindu calendar, combining ancestral remembrance, prayer, traditional rituals, charity and gratitude before the festive period of Navratri begins.
