Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026: Date and Muhurat at a Glance

Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, falls on Saturday, 10 October 2026. It is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha, the sacred fortnight in which Hindu families remember, thank and offer prayers for their departed ancestors. Whether you know the exact death date of your forefathers or not, this single day allows you to honour them all together.

From the ghats of Banaras, where generations of families have performed tarpan on the banks of Maa Ganga, to homes across the world, this day is observed with simple, sincere devotion. In this guide from ShivaRatna, we explain the date and timings, the meaning of the day, a step-by-step tarpan vidhi, and a few thoughtful dos and don'ts.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026: Date and Muhurat at a Glance

Date	Saturday, 10 October 2026
Observance	Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya / Ashwin Krishna Amavasya
Amavasya Tithi	Begins on the evening of 9 October and ends around 9:20 PM on 10 October (approximate, as per Indian panchang)
Kutup Muhurat	approx. 11:45 AM to 12:31 PM
Rohina Muhurat	approx. 12:31 PM to 1:18 PM
Aparahna Kaal	approx. 1:20 PM to 3:45 PM

Note: Panchang timings vary slightly by city and by almanac. Please confirm the exact muhurat for your location with your family pandit or local panchang. The day after, 11 October, Shardiya Navratri begins.

What Is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

"Sarva Pitru" means all the ancestors. Pitru Paksha is a 15-16 day period during which each tithi is assigned for the shraddha of ancestors who passed away on that lunar date. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the last day, and it holds a special place for these reasons:

• For unknown dates: If you do not know the tithi on which an ancestor passed away, this is the day to offer shraddha.
• For missed shraddha: If you could not perform shraddha on the right tithi during Pitru Paksha, you can do it today.
• For everyone together: It is a collective offering for all known and unknown members of the family lineage, including those who left no descendants.
• For closing the fortnight: It marks the farewell (visarjan) of the ancestors, after which Devi Paksha and Navratri begin.

Traditionally, the Garuda Purana and other scriptures describe this day as especially meritorious for offering gratitude to one's pitrs, and many families believe that the blessings of ancestors bring peace, harmony and stability to the household.

Things You Need for Tarpan and Shraddha

• A clean copper or brass vessel (lota) and plate
• Fresh water from a clean source (Gangajal if available)
• Black sesame seeds (kala til), barley (jau) and raw rice
• Kusha (darbha) grass
• White flowers, tulsi leaves and a little raw milk
• Sattvic food for the offering: rice kheer, puri, seasonal vegetables (no onion or garlic)
• A diya with ghee or sesame oil, incense and a clean cloth for the seat

Step-by-Step Tarpan Vidhi at Home

1. Wake early and bathe. Wear clean, simple clothes, preferably white or light-coloured.
2. Prepare a clean space. Sit on a mat facing south, the direction associated with the pitrs.
3. Take a sankalp. With water in your right hand, state your name, gotra and the purpose: that you are offering tarpan for all your ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
4. Wear a kusha ring (pavitri) on your right ring finger.
5. Offer water. Mix water with black sesame and let it flow from the palm, between the thumb and index finger, onto a plate while chanting the mantra. Repeat three times for each ancestor you remember (father's side, mother's side, and all unknown ancestors).
6. Prepare the food offering. During the Kutup or Rohina muhurat, offer the cooked food. Many families set aside five portions (Panchbali) for the cow, dog, crow, ants and devas.
7. Feed a Brahmin or someone in need. Offer food and dakshina with respect, according to your means.
8. Light a lamp in the evening. Place a diya at the south side of your home or beneath a peepal tree, and pray for peace for all departed souls.

Mantras to Chant

• ॐ पितृभ्यः नमः (Om Pitrubhyah Namah)
• ॐ सर्व पितृ देवताभ्यो नमः (Om Sarva Pitru Devatabhyo Namah)
• महामृत्युंजय मंत्र: for peace of departed souls and the well-being of the family
• ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya): Lord Shiva, as Mahakal, is the guide of every soul on its journey

Dos and Don'ts on Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Do

• Keep the home clean and the mind calm and grateful.
• Donate food, clothes, sesame, blankets or money to those in need.
• Feed cows, crows, dogs and birds.
• Plant a peepal or tulsi sapling in memory of your ancestors.
• Remember your elders with a few quiet minutes of prayer, and share their stories with your children.

Avoid

• Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion and garlic.
• Starting new ventures, buying luxuries or celebrating loudly.
• Anger, arguments and disrespect towards elders or those who come for food.
• Cutting hair or nails on the day of the shraddha, as per tradition.

Lord Shiva and the Journey of the Ancestors

In Banaras, the city of Lord Shiva, it is said that the soul finds peace when remembered with devotion. Many devotees combine ancestor remembrance with prayers to Shiva: performing Jalabhishek on a Shivling, chanting Om Namah Shivaya or the Mahamrityunjaya mantra on a Rudraksha mala, and offering bilva leaves. These are expressions of faith that help settle the mind and bring a sense of closure and gratitude.

Puja Essentials from ShivaRatna

As the Navratri season approaches right after Amavasya, many families prepare their puja space for the days ahead. At ShivaRatna, we offer original and authentic spiritual products, carefully sourced from Banaras and delivered to your door:

• Rudraksha beads and malas for japa and daily prayer
• Shivling for abhishek and home worship
• Shree Yantra for the puja room, especially for Navratri
• Other puja items for your daily worship and festivals

Explore our collections at www.shivaratna.com, or write to us at Kashishivaratna@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +91 8874660321 for guidance on choosing the right product.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?

It falls on Saturday, 10 October 2026, as the last day of Pitru Paksha.

Can I perform shraddha on this day if I missed the earlier tithi?

Yes. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is meant for those whose tithi is unknown or who could not perform shraddha earlier in Pitru Paksha.

What is the best time for shraddha on 10 October?

Traditionally, the Kutup and Rohina muhurat around midday (approx. 11:45 AM to 1:18 PM) and the Aparahna period in the afternoon are preferred. Please confirm local timings with your pandit.

What if I cannot do a full shraddha?

If you cannot perform the complete ritual, offering water with black sesame, feeding a cow or crow, donating food, and praying sincerely with a grateful heart are considered meaningful.

Which day follows Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

Shardiya Navratri begins on 11 October 2026.

A Closing Thought

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is not only a ritual but a moment of gratitude for the lineage that brought us here. May the blessings of your ancestors and the grace of Lord Shiva fill your home with peace, health and harmony.

Har Har Mahadev. 🙏

Disclaimer: This article shares traditional beliefs and practices for general information. Customs vary by family, region and sampradaya, so please follow your family tradition and consult your pandit for specific guidance.