Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 in Gaya from 26 September- 09 October . Pitrapaksha mela is a 16-day long period during which people from all over the world take part in the shradh ceremony .Perform Pind Daan rituals for ancestral peace & salvation
Pitru Paksha holds profound significance in Hindu culture. According to Hindu calendar , Pitru Paksha Mela ,Gaya start “Anant Chaturdashi” of Bhadra Sukkapaksh every year .
This 16-day holy period is when we reverently remember our ancestors and perform special rituals for their spiritual peace.
During this time, rites like Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are performed to seek freedom from Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic debts) and help departed souls attain moksha (liberation). The most sacred observances include Pind Daan on the banks of the Falgu River and worship at Vishnupad Temple in Gaya—a core tradition of Pitru Paksha.
This festival offers a sacred opportunity to reconnect with our roots, express gratitude, and seek divine peace for our ancestors.
Pitru Paksha (the 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to performing Shraddha rituals for ancestors). In 2026, the main Shraddha tithis fall roughly from 26 September to 10 October.
| Date | Day | Tithi (Shraddha) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Sept 2026 | Saturday | Purnima Shraddha |
| 27 Sept 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada Shraddha |
| 28 Sept 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya Shraddha |
| 29 Sept 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya Shraddha |
| 30 Sept 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi / Panchami Shraddha |
| 1 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Shashthi Shraddha |
| 2 Oct 2026 | Friday | Saptami Shraddha |
| 3 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Ashtami Shraddha |
| 4 Oct 2026 | Sunday | Navami Shraddha |
| 5 Oct 2026 | Monday | Dashami Shraddha |
| 6 Oct 2026 | Tuesday | Ekadashi Shraddha |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Dwadashi Shraddha |
| 8 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Trayodashi Shraddha |
| 9 Oct 2026 | Friday | Chaturdashi Shraddha |
Notes:
Maha Bharani – Highly significant for ancestral rites.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya – The most important day to honor all departed souls.
Magha Shraddha Dedicated to ancestors who died in the Magha month.
