Chaturthi Shraddh 2026: Date and Timings

Chaturthi Shraddh 2026

In Hindu tradition, honoring ancestors (Pitru) is one of the most important duties. It is believed that our ancestors continue to bless and guide us even after leaving their physical bodies. To express gratitude and to bring peace to their souls, special rituals called Shraddh are performed.

During the sacred period of Pitru Paksha, each day is dedicated to ancestors who passed away on a specific lunar date (tithi). One such important day is Chaturthi Shraddh.

In this article, you will learn complete information about Chaturthi Shraddh in simple English—its meaning, importance, rituals, rules, benefits, and how to perform it easily at home.

What is Chaturthi Shraddh?

The word Chaturthi means the fourth day of the lunar fortnight, and Shraddh means performing rituals with faith for ancestors.

 So, Chaturthi Shraddh is the ritual performed on the fourth day of Pitru Paksha.

It is mainly done for ancestors who passed away on the Chaturthi tithi.

Chaturthi Shraddh 2026: Date and Timings

Here are the important timings for performing Chaturthi Shraddh:

• Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 05:09 PM on September 29, 2026
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 02:55 PM on September 30, 2026

Auspicious Muhurat

• Kutup Muhurat: 11:47 AM to 12:35 PM (48 minutes)
• Rohina Muhurat: 12:35 PM to 01:22 PM (48 minutes)
• Aparahna Kaal: 01:22 PM to 03:45 PM (2 hours 23 minutes)

 The Aparahna Kaal is considered the most suitable and recommended time to perform Shraddh rituals.

Importance of Chaturthi Shraddh

Chaturthi Shraddh is an important part of the Pitru Paksha rituals.

1. Honors Specific Ancestors

It is performed for those ancestors whose death occurred on Chaturthi.

2. Brings Peace to Souls

It helps ancestors feel satisfied and peaceful.

3. Strengthens Family Bond

It keeps the connection between generations alive.

4. Removes Obstacles

Proper Shraddh is believed to reduce problems in life.

Who Should Perform Chaturthi Shraddh?

Traditionally:

• The eldest son performs the ritual
• But any family member can perform it
• Women can also perform Shraddh

 The most important thing is faith and sincerity, not gender.

When is Chaturthi Shraddh Performed?

Chaturthi Shraddh is performed on:

• The fourth day (Chaturthi tithi) of Pitru Paksha
• Best time: late morning to afternoon (Aparahna kaal)

Which Ancestors Are Remembered?

On this day, you can honor:

• Ancestors who died on Chaturthi tithi
• Parents, grandparents, and forefathers
• Unknown ancestors (if needed)

Main Rituals of Chaturthi Shraddh

Let’s understand the rituals step by step in a simple way.

1. Preparation

Before starting:

• Wake up early
• Take a bath
• Wear clean clothes
• Clean the place of worship

2. Sankalp (Resolution)

Make a simple intention:

“I am performing Chaturthi Shraddh for my ancestors with respect and devotion.”

3. Tarpan (Water Offering)

Tarpan is the most important ritual.

How to Do:

• Take water mixed with black sesame seeds
• Offer it facing south direction
• Remember your ancestors

Benefit:

4. Pind Daan

It gives satisfaction and peace to ancestors

Pind Daan involves offering rice balls.

Materials:

• Cooked rice
• Flour
• Black sesame seeds

Purpose:

It helps the soul move toward peace and liberation.

5. Offering Food (Bhojan)

Prepare simple vegetarian food.

Common Items:

• Rice
• Dal
• Vegetables
• Kheer

Offer the food in the name of ancestors.

6. Feeding Brahmins and the Needy

After offering food:

• Feed Brahmins or poor people
• Show respect while serving

This act is equal to feeding ancestors.

7. Feeding Animals

Feed:

• Cows
• Dogs
• Birds
• Crows

Crows are believed to be messengers of ancestors.

8. Prayer and Mantra Chanting

Chant simple mantras:

• Om Pitra Devaya Namah
• Gayatri Mantra

Pray for the peace and blessings of ancestors.

Food Rules for Chaturthi Shraddh

Food should be simple and pure.

Should Be:

• Vegetarian
• Freshly prepared

Avoid:

• Onion and garlic (in many traditions)
• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol

What to Wear?

• Wear clean and simple clothes
• Prefer light colors like white
• Avoid bright and fancy clothes

Things to Avoid on Chaturthi Shraddh

• Avoid celebrations
• Do not start new work
• Avoid buying new items
• Stay calm and peaceful

Can Chaturthi Shraddh Be Done at Home?

Yes, it can be done easily at home.

• No need for a big setup
• Priest is optional
• Keep it simple and clean

What If You Cannot Perform Full Rituals?

Do not worry.

You can do simple alternatives:

• Offer water (Tarpan)
• Light a diya
• Offer flowers
• Pray sincerely

Even small efforts are meaningful.

Importance of Faith (Shraddha)

The word Shraddh comes from “Shraddha,” which means faith.

 Without faith, rituals are incomplete.

Even a small prayer done with love is powerful.

Benefits of Chaturthi Shraddh

Performing this ritual brings many benefits.

1. Peace to Ancestors

Helps calm their souls.

2. Blessings for Family

Brings happiness and success.

3. Removal of Obstacles

Reduces problems in life.

4. Spiritual Growth

Improves inner peace.

Signs That Ancestors Are Pleased

You may notice:

• Peace at home
• Positive energy
• Reduction in problems
• Better relationships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Doing rituals without faith
• Ignoring cleanliness
• Being careless
• Treating it as a formality

Emotional Importance

Chaturthi Shraddh is not just a ritual.

• It helps remember loved ones
• It creates emotional connection
• It teaches gratitude

Scientific Perspective

Even from a modern view:

1. Emotional Healing

Remembering ancestors gives peace.

2. Gratitude

It builds a thankful attitude.

3. Positive Actions

Helping others improves happiness.

Simple Home Routine for Chaturthi Shraddh

Here is an easy routine:

1. Take a bath
2. Light a diya
3. Offer water (Tarpan)
4. Offer simple food
5. Feed someone
6. Pray silently

Final Thoughts

Chaturthi Shraddh is a meaningful way to honor ancestors on the fourth day of Pitru Paksha. It continues the sacred tradition of remembrance and respect.

You do not need to do everything perfectly. What matters most is your:

• Faith
• Respect
• Sincerity

Final Message

Always remember:

 Ancestors are your roots
Their blessings support your life
Your prayers bring them peace

Even small acts like offering water, food, or a simple prayer can create a strong spiritual connection.

By performing Chaturthi Shraddh with a pure heart, you bring peace to your ancestors and positivity into your life.