Pitru Paksha 2018 dates: Pitru Paksha or Shradh paksha is also known as fortnight for the ancestors. It is a 16-lunar day period that falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September-October). It begins with the full moon day (Purnima) that occurs immediately after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and ends with the new moon day. This year, as per the Hindu calendar, it starting from September 24, Monday and will end on October 8, Monday. Shradh is a ritual which is performed by children or relatives of dead ancestors for the peace of the departed soul.


During this festival, the ritual of Pind-Daan is performed which is a must-to-do obligation for all Hindus or followers of Hindu religion. Hindus also believe that no work can be successfully performed without the blessings of their ancestors or by performing the Pind Daan.

It is believed that the Ancestors may pay a visit to homes during the Pitru Paksh Shradhas. Therefore, Hindus offer food or clothing to anyone that seeks it during this period. Besides, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are abstained during this time. Also shopping for new clothes and ornaments during this fortnight is also restricted as it is considered a mourning time to pay homage to the departed souls.

The Shradh of Pitars is ideally performed at home. However, people also carry out rituals in temples, holy places, forests as well as riversides. Below mentioned are Shradh 2018 dates for your convenience:

September 24, 2018 - Monday - Purnima Shraddha
September 25, 2018 - Tuesday - Pratipada Shraddha
September 26, 2018 - Wednesday - Dwitiya Shraddha
September 27, 2018 - Thursday - Tritiya Shraddha
September 28, 2018 - Friday - Chaturthi Shraddha, Maha Bharani
September 29, 2018 - Saturday - Panchami Shraddha
September 30, 2018 - Sunday - Shashthi Shraddha
October 1, 2018 - Monday - Saptami Shraddha
October 2, 2018 - Tuesday - Ashtami Shraddha
October 3, 2018 - Wednesday - Navami Shraddha
October 4, 2018 - Thursday - Dashami Shraddha
October 5, 2018 - Friday - Ekadashi Shraddha
October 6, 2018 - Saturday - Dwadashi Shraddha, Magha Shraddha
October 7, 2018 - Sunday - Trayodashi Shraddha, Chaturdashi Shraddha
October 8, 2018 - Monday - Sarva Pitru Amavasya