Pitru Paksha 2028: Dates, Timings and Significance

Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha or Shraddh Paksha, is a sacred period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring one's ancestors (Pitrs). It begins with the Shraddha performed on the Full Moon of Bhadrapada and continues through the waning fortnight of Ashwina, culminating on the New Moon day - Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

In 2028, Pitru Paksha begins on Sunday, 03 September 2028 and concludes on Monday, 18 September 2028 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya - the most important day of the entire period.

Starts: 03 Sep (Sunday) Ends: 18 Sep (Monday) Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 18 Sep 16 Tithis
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All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata.

Tithi Date 2028 Day Tithi Begins Tithi Ends
Purnima 03 Sep Sunday 03-Sep-2028 02:54 AM 04-Sep-2028 05:19 AM
Pratipada Krishna 04 Sep Monday 04-Sep-2028 05:19 AM 05-Sep-2028 07:46 AM
Dwitiya Krishna 06 Sep Wednesday 05-Sep-2028 07:46 AM 06-Sep-2028 10:11 AM
Tritiya Krishna 07 Sep Thursday 06-Sep-2028 10:11 AM 07-Sep-2028 12:28 PM
Chaturthi Krishna 08 Sep Friday 07-Sep-2028 12:28 PM 08-Sep-2028 02:31 PM
Panchami Krishna 09 Sep Saturday 08-Sep-2028 02:31 PM 09-Sep-2028 04:14 PM
Shashthi Krishna 10 Sep Sunday 09-Sep-2028 04:14 PM 10-Sep-2028 05:30 PM
Saptami Krishna 11 Sep Monday 10-Sep-2028 05:30 PM 11-Sep-2028 06:11 PM
Ashtami Krishna 12 Sep Tuesday 11-Sep-2028 06:11 PM 12-Sep-2028 06:10 PM
Navami Krishna 13 Sep Wednesday 12-Sep-2028 06:10 PM 13-Sep-2028 05:26 PM
Dashami Krishna 14 Sep Thursday 13-Sep-2028 05:26 PM 14-Sep-2028 03:56 PM
Ekadashi Krishna 15 Sep Friday 14-Sep-2028 03:56 PM 15-Sep-2028 01:43 PM
Dwadashi Krishna 16 Sep Saturday 15-Sep-2028 01:43 PM 16-Sep-2028 10:51 AM
Trayodashi Krishna & Chaturdashi Krishna 17 Sep Sunday 16-Sep-2028 10:51 AM 17-Sep-2028 07:30 AM
Amavasya 18 Sep Monday 18-Sep-2028 03:47 AM 18-Sep-2028 11:53 PM

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Meaning and Scriptural Basis

"Pitru" refers to ancestors and "Paksha" means a lunar fortnight. Hindu scriptures describe Shraddh as any ritual performed for one's ancestors with proper devotion, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, and sacred mantras. The Markandeya Purana states:

आयुः प्रजां धनं विद्यां स्वर्गं मोक्षं सुखानि च।
प्रयच्छन्ति तथा राज्यं पितरः श्राद्धतर्पितः॥

Meaning: when pleased through Shraddh, one's ancestors bestow long life, progeny, wealth, knowledge, happiness, and ultimately liberation upon the performer.

Why Some Years Have a Combined Tithi Day

Pitru Paksha runs across 15 lunar tithis, from Purnima to Amavasya. Because lunar days don't align exactly with solar days, some years see a tithi "compress" so that two tithis fall within a single calendar day - this is called a tithi Kshaya. The table above automatically combines any such days for 2028.

Shraddh Rituals During Pitru Paksha

Tarpan (Water Offering)

Water mixed with black sesame seeds (til) and Kusha grass is offered to ancestors, usually after a morning bath, while facing south and reciting the names of forefathers.

Pind Daan

Balls of rice, barley, or wheat flour (pind) representing three generations of ancestors are offered with mantras. This is considered one of the most important rituals of the fortnight.

Brahmin Bhoj

Feeding Brahmins is considered highly meritorious, as they are believed to represent the ancestors themselves during the ritual.

Daan (Charity)

Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy - and feeding cows, crows, and dogs - is regarded as an offering that brings peace to departed souls.

Auspicious Timings for Shraddh

Kutup, Rohina and Aparahna Kaal

Shraddh rituals are traditionally performed as Parvan Shraddha, ideally within three windows: Kutup Muhurat (roughly late mid-morning), Rohina Muhurat (immediately following Kutup), and Aparahna Kaal (the early afternoon period). These windows are calculated from each day's precise sunrise and sunset, so confirm the exact time for your location and date via your daily Panchang rather than relying on a single fixed clock time across all tithis.

What to Avoid During Pitru Paksha

  • Weddings, engagements, and other auspicious ceremonies
  • Griha Pravesh or buying a new house
  • Purchasing a new vehicle or starting a new business
  • Celebrations, parties, and festive events
  • Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion and garlic (as per family tradition)
  • Haircuts, shaving, and buying new clothes (customary in many families)
  • Arguments, harsh speech, and negative thoughts

Note: daily work, office commitments, and regular spiritual practice may continue as normal - only major auspicious undertakings are typically postponed.

Regional Traditions Across India

North India

Pind Daan holds special importance, with Gaya, Prayagraj, Kashi, and Badrinath regarded as the most meritorious places to perform it.

Maharashtra & Gujarat

Mahalaya Shraddha is widely observed, with special dishes like Puran Poli prepared and offered to Brahmins, cows, crows, and dogs after the ritual meal.

Bengal, Odisha & Assam

Shraddh is mainly performed as Tarpan on Mahalaya Amavasya, with a holy bath in the Ganga or another sacred river followed by offerings of sesame and water.

South India

Known as Pitru Karma. Karnataka observes Mattu Amavasya; Tamil Nadu performs Shraddh on Mahalaya Amavasya; Kerala calls it Bali, with offerings made at the Kavu.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pitru Paksha 2028 start and end?
Pitru Paksha 2028 begins on Sunday, 03 September 2028 with Purnima Shraddha and ends on Monday, 18 September 2028 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Also called Mahalaya Amavasya, it is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha (18 September 2028), on which Shraddh can be performed for all ancestors - known or unknown, and regardless of their actual death tithi.
Who can perform Shraddh during Pitru Paksha?
Traditionally the eldest son or a male descendant performs Shraddh. If no male family member is available, women can perform Shraddh and Pind Daan with proper guidance from a priest.
What if I don't know the exact tithi my ancestor passed away on?
Perform Shraddh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (18 September 2028). This day is considered suitable for honouring all ancestors, particularly when the exact tithi of passing is unknown or forgotten.
Can I travel or celebrate a birthday during Pitru Paksha?
Regular travel and essential activities are generally fine. Large celebrations are usually postponed as a mark of respect, though simple birthday observances without festivities are considered acceptable by many families - practices vary, so it's worth checking your family's tradition.
What are the main items needed for Shraddh?
Common items include black sesame seeds, rice or barley flour, Kusha grass, water, milk, honey, and Ghee, along with flowers and food for the Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals.
Other 2028 Calendars