Pitru Paksha 2027: 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 2027, Pitru Paksha begins on Wednesday, 15 September 2027 and concludes on Thursday, 30 September 2027 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya - the most important day of the entire period.

Starts: 15 Sep (Wednesday) Ends: 30 Sep (Thursday) Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 30 Sep 16 Tithis
Browse Years:
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All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata.

Tithi Date 2027 Day Tithi Begins Tithi Ends
Purnima 15 Sep Wednesday 15-Sep-2027 02:50 AM 16-Sep-2027 04:34 AM
Pratipada Krishna 16 Sep Thursday 16-Sep-2027 04:34 AM 17-Sep-2027 05:53 AM
Dwitiya Krishna 17 Sep Friday 17-Sep-2027 05:53 AM 18-Sep-2027 06:45 AM
Tritiya Krishna 19 Sep Sunday 18-Sep-2027 06:45 AM 19-Sep-2027 07:10 AM
Chaturthi Krishna 20 Sep Monday 19-Sep-2027 07:10 AM 20-Sep-2027 07:10 AM
Panchami Krishna & Shashthi Krishna 21 Sep Tuesday 20-Sep-2027 07:10 AM 21-Sep-2027 06:44 AM
Saptami Krishna 22 Sep Wednesday 22-Sep-2027 05:53 AM 23-Sep-2027 04:37 AM
Ashtami Krishna 23 Sep Thursday 23-Sep-2027 04:37 AM 24-Sep-2027 02:58 AM
Navami Krishna 24 Sep Friday 24-Sep-2027 02:58 AM 25-Sep-2027 12:55 AM
Dashami Krishna 25 Sep Saturday 25-Sep-2027 12:55 AM 25-Sep-2027 10:31 PM
Ekadashi Krishna 26 Sep Sunday 25-Sep-2027 10:31 PM 26-Sep-2027 07:50 PM
Dwadashi Krishna 27 Sep Monday 26-Sep-2027 07:50 PM 27-Sep-2027 04:55 PM
Trayodashi Krishna 28 Sep Tuesday 27-Sep-2027 04:55 PM 28-Sep-2027 01:55 PM
Chaturdashi Krishna 29 Sep Wednesday 28-Sep-2027 01:55 PM 29-Sep-2027 10:55 AM
Amavasya 30 Sep Thursday 29-Sep-2027 10:55 AM 30-Sep-2027 08:06 AM

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 2027.

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 2027 start and end?
Pitru Paksha 2027 begins on Wednesday, 15 September 2027 with Purnima Shraddha and ends on Thursday, 30 September 2027 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Also called Mahalaya Amavasya, it is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha (30 September 2027), 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 (30 September 2027). 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 2027 Calendars