On Thursday 1 October 2026, the Shashthi Shraddh will be observed in India. It’s the sixth day of Pitru Paksha, and families across India will offer tarpan to ancestors who left this world on Shashthi tithi.Before planning anything, check your local panchang once. This year Panchami tithi is very short. So some calendars place Panchami Shraddh on 1 October too. If your family priest follows a regional panchang, go with his advice.
Who Should Perform Shashthi Shraddh?
This Shraddh is for ancestors whose death happened on Shashthi tithi. It doesn’t matter whether that was in Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha. The tithi is what counts, not the English date.Traditionally, the eldest son performs the rituals. If he isn’t available, a younger son, grandson or brother can do it. Many families today also have daughters or wives performing tarpan, especially when there is no male member at home. Scriptures stress sincere remembrance above everything else.Don’t know the exact tithi of your ancestor’s death? Then skip the stress. Shraddh done on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which falls on 10 October this year, covers all ancestors.
Best Time for Shraddh Tomorrow
Shraddh rituals are done in the afternoon, never early morning or after sunset. The most favoured windows are Kutup Muhurat and Rohina Muhurat, which usually fall between late morning and early afternoon. Aparahna Kaal follows after that and is also considered good.Exact timings change by city. So look up the muhurat for your location in a reliable panchang before starting.
Tarpan Vidhi at Home
Wake up early and bathe. Wear clean, simple clothes, preferably white.Sit facing south, since this direction belongs to the Pitrs. Keep a copper or brass vessel filled with water. Add black til, a little raw milk, a few barley grains and white flowers to it.Place kusha grass in your right hand, or wear a kusha ring on the ring finger. Now take your ancestor’s name along with their gotra. Pour the water slowly through the space between your thumb and index finger. This part of the palm is called Pitru Tirtha.Offer tarpan three times for each ancestor. While pouring, you can chant “Om Pitribhyah Namah” or “Om Pitru Devaya Namah”.If you’re doing Pind Daan, make small balls of cooked rice mixed with til, ghee and honey. Offer them on a leaf with devotion.
Feed These Before Eating Yourself
Food prepared for Shraddh should first be offered to others. Keep portions aside for a cow and a dog. Offer some to crows too, since crows are believed to carry the food to the ancestors. Ants and a Brahmin or needy person should also get a share.Only after this should the family eat.
The Thursday Connection
Shashthi Shraddh falls on Guruvar this year. Thursday belongs to Brihaspati, the guru of the Devas. Many astrologers say donations made on this day carry extra punya.After the rituals, donate yellow items like chana dal, turmeric or bananas. Offering water to a banana plant in the evening is another simple practice many families follow.
Things to Avoid
Cook only sattvik food. Keep onion, garlic and non-veg out of the kitchen completely.Avoid haircuts, shaving and nail cutting. Don’t start new ventures or buy new clothes on Shraddh days.And keep the mood calm at home. Arguments or harsh words during Shraddh are considered disrespectful to the Pitrs. Guests who come to your door, even strangers, should not leave without food or water.
