Sarva Pitru Amavasya: Clear up the confusion regarding the date, and say these words while bidding farewell to your ancestors..
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026? Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the final day of Pitru Paksha. This day signifies the conclusion of the period, during which the ancestors who visited from *Pitru Loka* (the realm of ancestors) are bid farewell. Is Sarva Pitru Amavasya today (October 9) or tomorrow (October 10)? There may be some confusion regarding the date because the *Amavasya Tithi* (lunar day) begins tonight and continues until tomorrow night. Consequently, the question arises: when should the ancestors be bid farewell—today or tomorrow? Variations in the duration of lunar days often lead to changes in calendar dates. When bidding farewell to ancestors, one should recite specific words to bring them contentment.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya: Today or Tomorrow?
While Hindu fasts and festivals are generally determined based on *Udayatithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), the dates for *Shraddha* rituals during Pitru Paksha are determined by the specific timings suitable for *Tarpan* (offering water) and *Shraddha* ceremonies. Sometimes, even if a specific *Udayatithi* aligns with the day, the auspicious timing (*Muhurat*) for *Shraddha* and *Tarpan* may not be available; in such cases, the ritual is performed a day earlier.
Based on this, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, rather than today. Since the *Amavasya* falls on a Saturday, it is observed as both *Shani Amavasya* and *Ashwin Amavasya*. Today marks *Chaturdashi Shraddha*, a day dedicated to performing rituals for ancestors who met with an untimely death due to accidents, suicide, illness, or other causes. Today, *Tarpan* and *Shraddha* rituals are performed to grant liberation to ancestors who met with an untimely death.
**Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)**
On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, *Tarpan* and *Shraddha* are performed for all ancestors—both known and unknown. This day is dedicated to performing rituals for ancestors whose specific death anniversary is unknown, as well as for those who passed away on an *Amavasya* (new moon day).
These rituals should be performed during the *Kutup Muhurat* or *Rohin Muhurat*.
*Kutup Muhurat:* 11:45 AM to 12:31 PM
*Rohin Muhurat:* 12:31 PM to 01:18 PM
*Aparahna Kaal (Afternoon Period):* 01:18 PM to 03:37 PM
**How to bid farewell to ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?**
Perform the *Tarpan* and *Shraddha* rituals for your ancestors during the auspicious timings, following the prescribed rites. Afterward, at sunset, carry out the farewell ritual. Light a four-faced oil lamp for them, placing it so that it faces the south. This lamp illuminates their path as they depart from the earth. If this ritual is not performed, the ancestors' path remains in darkness, which displeases them.
**Words to recite while bidding farewell to ancestors**
After lighting the lamp, remember your ancestors; with folded hands and a reverent bow, say: "O Ancestral Deities (*Pitru Dev*), during *Pitru Paksha*, I have performed *Tarpan*, *Shraddha*, *Panchabali Karma*, charity, and the feeding of Brahmins to the best of my ability. May you all be gratified and satisfied with these deeds of mine. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, may you all attain *Moksha* (liberation). Please depart along your path towards your respective realms and bless the entire family with happiness, prosperity, and progress."
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