Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, Pitru Paksha Shraddha or Mahalaya Paksha, is one of the most important periods in the Hindu lunar calendar for remembering and honouring departed ancestors. In the traditional Vedic framework, it is not merely a religious fortnight but a period associated with ancestral karma, lineage, family continuity, gratitude and Pitru-related influences in the horoscope.
From an astrological perspective, Pitru Paksha is particularly interesting because its observances are governed primarily by Tithi rather than the ordinary solar calendar date. The correct Shraddha is generally determined from the lunar Tithi on which the ancestor passed away.
When is Pitru Paksha Observed?
Pitru Paksha occurs during Krishna Paksha, the waning half of the lunar month associated with Bhadrapada/Ashwin, depending on the calendrical tradition and regional convention.
In 2026, the main sequence of Pitru Paksha Shraddha begins with Pratipada on September 27, 2026, and culminates with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026. A Purnima Shraddha is observed on September 26 in calendars that include the preliminary Purnima observance.
The important point is that Pitru Paksha should not be understood simply as 15 fixed Gregorian dates. Tithis can begin and end at different times, and occasionally two Shraddha Tithis can fall on the same civil date. For example, in 2026, Chaturthi and Panchami Shraddha both fall on September 30.
Why Tithi Is More Important Than the Calendar Date
In Vedic astrology and Hindu ritual tradition, a Tithi is a lunar day, calculated from the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon.
There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month:
Shukla Paksha: Pratipada to Purnima
Krishna Paksha: Pratipada to Amavasya
Each Tithi is approximately 12 degrees of angular separation between the Sun and Moon, although its actual duration is variable.
This is why a person should not simply say:
“My father died on October 5, so I will perform Shraddha every October 5.”
Instead, traditionally the important question is:
“On which lunar Tithi did the person pass away?”
The Shraddha is then generally performed during Pitru Paksha on the corresponding Tithi. For example, someone who passed away on Saptami Tithi would ordinarily have Saptami Shraddha performed during Pitru Paksha.
Thus, Tithi is the primary clock of Shraddha, rather than the Gregorian date.
Pitru Paksha 2026 Shraddha Calendar
The general 2026 sequence is:
| Shraddha Tithi | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Pratipada Shraddha | September 27 |
| Dwitiya Shraddha | September 28 |
| Tritiya Shraddha | September 29 |
| Chaturthi Shraddha | September 30 |
| Panchami Shraddha | September 30 |
| Shashthi Shraddha | October 1 |
| Saptami Shraddha | October 2 |
| Ashtami Shraddha | October 3 |
| Navami Shraddha | October 4 |
| Dashami Shraddha | October 5 |
| Ekadashi Shraddha | October 6 |
| Dwadashi Shraddha | October 7 |
| Trayodashi Shraddha | October 8 |
| Chaturdashi Shraddha | October 9 |
| Sarva Pitru Amavasya | October 10 |
This calendar is a general India reference. Exact Tithi boundaries and ritual Muhurtas vary according to location, so the local Panchanga should be consulted before fixing the final ritual time.
The Most Important Shraddha Muhurta
One of the most important concepts in Pitru Paksha is the Aparahna period.
Unlike many ordinary auspicious activities for which morning Muhurtas are preferred, Parvan Shraddha is traditionally performed during the afternoon period, particularly around Kutup Muhurta, Rohina Muhurta and Aparahna Kaal.
Kutup Muhurta
Kutup Muhurta occurs around the eighth Muhurta of the daytime and is traditionally considered an important period for Shraddha.
Rohina Muhurta
This follows Kutup Muhurta and is another period traditionally considered suitable for ancestral rites.
Aparahna Kaal
After Kutup and Rohina comes the broader Aparahna period.
Therefore, the traditional sequence can broadly be understood as:
Kutup Muhurta → Rohina Muhurta → Aparahna Kaal
Shraddha is generally performed within this daytime window rather than at night.
For example, on Saptami Shraddha in Gaya on October 2, 2026, Kutup Muhurta is listed as approximately 11:15 AM–12:03 PM, Rohina as 12:03–12:51 PM, and Aparahna as 12:51–3:13 PM. These times demonstrate why the exact Muhurta must be calculated for the particular location.
Why Is Shraddha Performed in Aparahna?
The traditional association of ancestors with the southern direction is important here.
In Vedic symbolism, the South is associated with Yama and the Pitris. Consequently, ancestral rites have a different ritual orientation from ordinary Deva worship.
This is one reason Shraddha is treated differently from ceremonies performed for the deities.
The underlying principle is:
Deva worship and Pitru worship are not identical ritual systems.
Pitru rites emphasize remembrance, lineage, obligation, offering and continuity between generations.
The Astrological Meaning of Pitru Paksha
From the perspective of Jyotisha, the subject of ancestors is closely connected with several horoscope factors.
The 9th House
The 9th Bhava is one of the principal houses associated with:
- father
- ancestors
- lineage
- Dharma
- blessings received through one’s lineage
- higher religious principles
- past accumulated merit
Therefore, when astrologers investigate ancestral themes, the 9th house and its lord are extremely important.
The Sun
The Sun (Surya) represents:
- father
- authority
- lineage
- vitality
- ancestry
- one’s connection with paternal heritage
Consequently, affliction involving the Sun, 9th house or 9th lord is sometimes examined when studying traditional concepts relating to paternal lineage.
The Moon
The Moon represents the mind, emotional memory, family conditioning and the psychological inheritance received from one’s environment.
Because Pitru Paksha is based upon the lunar calendar, the Moon naturally has an important symbolic connection with the period.
Saturn
Saturn (Shani) represents:
- ancestors and the weight of the past
- karma
- responsibility
- longevity
- deprivation and obligations
- things inherited from previous generations
For this reason, some astrologers examine Saturn when discussing ancestral karma.
Rahu and Ketu
The lunar nodes are particularly important in discussions of Pitru Dosha.
Traditional astrologers may examine combinations involving:
Sun + Rahu
Sun + Ketu
9th house + Rahu/Ketu
9th lord + Rahu/Ketu
and other combinations depending upon the particular school of Jyotisha.
However, no single combination should automatically be declared Pitru Dosha. Different astrological traditions use different definitions, and the entire horoscope should be examined.
What Is Pitru Dosha?
Pitru Dosha is an astrological concept associated with disturbances or unresolved karmic themes connected with the ancestral lineage.
Different Jyotisha traditions define it differently.
Some astrologers particularly examine affliction to the Sun, 9th house, 9th lord or ancestral significators, while others give greater importance to specific Rahu-Sun combinations or particular combinations in divisional charts.
Therefore, it is incorrect to say that:
“Rahu in the 9th house automatically means Pitru Dosha.”
Such a conclusion requires a complete horoscope analysis.
Similarly, performing Shraddha should not be presented as a guaranteed mechanical remedy for every problem in life.
The traditional idea is better understood as honouring one’s lineage and fulfilling an ancestral duty.
Pitru Paksha and the 9th House
The 9th house represents Dharma and lineage, and this makes Pitru Paksha particularly relevant from an astrological perspective.
A strong 9th house may traditionally indicate:
- connection with family traditions
- respect for elders
- support from father or gurus
- continuity of Dharma
- ancestral values
When the 9th house or its lord is severely afflicted, astrologers may investigate whether there are unresolved issues involving the paternal lineage.
But this should be interpreted alongside:
Sun + 9th house + 9th lord + Jupiter + relevant divisional charts + Dasha + transits.
Astrology should not be reduced to one placement.
Which Tithi Should Be Used for Shraddha?
The basic principle is:
Perform Shraddha according to the Tithi on which the ancestor died.
For example:
If the ancestor died on Pratipada, perform Pratipada Shraddha.
If the ancestor died on Panchami, perform Panchami Shraddha.
If the ancestor died on Saptami, perform Saptami Shraddha.
If the ancestor died on Dwadashi, perform Dwadashi Shraddha.
If the ancestor died on Amavasya, the Amavasya Shraddha is appropriate.
The tradition is specifically Tithi-based rather than date-based.
What If the Death Tithi Is Unknown?
This is one of the most important practical situations.
When the exact death Tithi of an ancestor is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally used as the principal day for offering Shraddha to ancestors whose specific Tithi cannot be established.
Thus, Amavasya acts as a kind of collective ancestral observance.
This is why Sarva Pitru Amavasya has such importance at the conclusion of Pitru Paksha.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
The final Amavasya of Pitru Paksha is called:
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
It is also known as:
Mahalaya Amavasya
This day is traditionally associated with offering Shraddha for ancestors in cases where the specific Tithi is unknown or when one wishes to honour the broader ancestral lineage.
In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on Saturday, October 10.
The Amavasya Tithi itself begins on the evening of October 9 and continues through October 10, demonstrating again why the civil date and lunar Tithi should not be confused.
Special Shraddha Tithis
Certain Tithis have additional traditional associations.
Navami – Matru Navami
Navami is popularly associated with Matru Shraddha, particularly remembrance of the mother and maternal lineage.
Dwadashi – Sannyasi Shraddha
Dwadashi has a special association with ancestors who had entered Sannyasa, according to traditional classifications.
Trayodashi – Balabholani/Teras Shraddha
Trayodashi is traditionally associated with particular ancestral observances and is also regarded in some traditions as suitable for those who died as children.
Chaturdashi – Ghata Chaturdashi
Chaturdashi has a special role in remembering those who died through unnatural, violent or accidental circumstances in certain traditional practices.
Amavasya – Sarva Pitru
Amavasya is the principal collective day for ancestors when the exact death Tithi is unknown.
Purnima Shraddha
There is an important technical point here.
Although the main Pitru Paksha sequence is commonly described from Krishna Paksha Pratipada through Amavasya, many calendars separately include Purnima Shraddha immediately before the main sequence.
This is because someone whose death occurred on Purnima can have the corresponding Purnima Shraddha performed at the beginning of the ancestral observance.
In 2026, Purnima Shraddha is observed on September 26, while Pratipada Shraddha begins on September 27.
Pitru Paksha, Nakshatra and Astrology
Although Tithi is the principal determinant for the Shraddha date, Nakshatra also has an important place in Jyotisha.
For example, Magha Nakshatra has a particularly strong ancestral symbolism.
Magha is ruled by Ketu and is associated with the Pitris, ancestral authority and lineage.
Its symbolism makes it particularly relevant when studying:
ancestry → lineage → inheritance → tradition → ancestral karma.
Some traditional sources give special significance to Shraddha performed when particular Pitru-related combinations of Tithi and Nakshatra occur. For example, certain traditions attach importance to Trayodashi coinciding with Magha Nakshatra.
Why Magha Nakshatra Is Connected With Ancestors
Among the 27 Nakshatras, Magha has one of the strongest ancestral associations.
Its deity is the Pitris, the ancestral beings.
The symbol of Magha is traditionally connected with the royal throne or throne room, representing inheritance, authority and the position received from one’s predecessors.
From an astrological perspective, Magha can therefore be studied through the themes of:
Ancestors → inheritance → lineage → authority → tradition → ancestral responsibility.
This makes Magha especially interesting for research into Pitru-related astrology.
Rituals Performed During Pitru Paksha
Traditional Shraddha observances may include:
Tarpana – offering water to the ancestors.
Pinda Dana – offering ritual rice balls or pindas.
Shraddha Bhojana – offering food in the traditional manner.
Dana – charitable giving.
Feeding Brahmanas – part of traditional Shraddha procedure in many communities.
Offering food to animals and birds, particularly the crow, in traditions where this is prescribed.
The precise procedure differs according to family tradition, regional practice, Sampradaya and the instructions of the officiating priest.
Why Is the Crow Associated With Pitru Rituals?
The crow has a strong symbolic association with ancestors in Hindu ritual culture.
The crow is sometimes regarded as representing or carrying the ancestral offering, and therefore feeding crows forms part of many Shraddha traditions.
This should be understood as a ritual and symbolic tradition, rather than as a claim that an ancestor literally transforms into a crow.
What Should Be Avoided During Pitru Paksha?
Traditional practice generally treats Pitru Paksha as a period of ancestral remembrance rather than celebration.
Depending upon one’s family tradition, people may avoid:
- extravagant celebrations
- unnecessary ceremonies
- weddings
- housewarming ceremonies
- major auspicious inaugurations
- excessive luxury or entertainment
However, this does not mean that every ordinary activity becomes prohibited.
The restrictions vary significantly between communities and traditions.
Can New Work Be Started During Pitru Paksha?
A common belief is that nothing new should be started during Pitru Paksha.
The traditional distinction is more nuanced.
Pitru Paksha is primarily dedicated to Pitru Karma, remembrance and ancestral duties. Therefore, major auspicious ceremonies are often postponed until after Pitru Paksha.
But this does not necessarily mean that routine professional, educational or unavoidable activities must stop.
The nature of the activity and one’s family tradition should be considered.
Pitru Paksha and Muhurta Shastra
An interesting principle emerges when Pitru Paksha is examined through Muhurta Shastra.
For ordinary auspicious activities, astrologers may select:
- favorable Tithi
- favorable Nakshatra
- favorable Yoga
- favorable Karana
- suitable Lagna
- planetary strength
- avoidance of Rahu Kala and other unsuitable periods
But for Shraddha, the priority is different.
The ancestral Tithi and appropriate daytime period become central.
Therefore:
Shraddha Muhurta is not simply an ordinary auspicious Muhurta.
It is a specialized ritual timing system.
Is Rahu Kaal Important for Shraddha?
Rahu Kaal is traditionally avoided for many auspicious activities.
However, Shraddha has its own ritual timing rules, and the priest or Panchanga should determine the appropriate period rather than mechanically applying ordinary Muhurta rules.
The primary focus should remain on:
correct Tithi + appropriate Shraddha period + local Panchanga calculation.
Pitru Paksha and Dasha
From a deeper Jyotisha perspective, Pitru-related themes can also be studied through Vimshottari Dasha and other Dasha systems.
If a person enters the Dasha or Antardasha of:
Sun
Saturn
Rahu
Ketu
or the lord of the 9th house, astrologers may examine whether ancestral themes become more prominent.
But again, the planet alone does not establish Pitru Dosha.
The entire horoscope must be considered.
For example, the Sun may simultaneously represent:
father + authority + soul + vitality + government + status
depending on the chart.
Therefore, interpreting every Sun period as an ancestral period would be an oversimplification.
Pitru Paksha and Transits
Transits can also activate ancestral themes.
Particular attention may be given to:
Saturn’s transit over the 9th house
Rahu/Ketu transiting the 9th/3rd axis
Saturn influencing the Sun
Rahu influencing the Sun
Jupiter’s influence on the 9th house
But transit interpretation must always be combined with the natal horoscope and Dasha.
A transit by itself does not prove that a person has Pitru Dosha or an ancestral problem.
The Deeper Astrological Philosophy
Pitru Paksha can be understood through the concept of Rina, or debt.
Traditional Hindu philosophy describes several forms of obligation that a human being carries, including obligations toward:
Devas
Rishis
Pitris
The Pitru connection represents the fact that one’s physical existence, family identity, culture and lineage have come through previous generations.
Thus, Shraddha is not merely about asking ancestors for material benefits.
It also represents:
Gratitude toward the past.
Responsibility toward one’s lineage.
Recognition of one’s ancestral inheritance.
Continuity between generations.
This philosophical interpretation is particularly important when Pitru Paksha is studied through Jyotisha.
Pitru Paksha and Karma
From a karmic perspective, astrology traditionally views the horoscope as a map containing indications of inherited patterns as well as individual karma.
This does not necessarily mean that every difficulty in a person’s life is caused by ancestors.
Rather, ancestral karma can be viewed as one layer within a much larger karmic framework.
The horoscope may be examined for patterns involving:
9th house → lineage and Dharma
Sun → father and paternal authority
Moon → family and emotional inheritance
Saturn → karmic responsibility and ancestral burdens
Rahu/Ketu → unusual or unresolved karmic patterns
2nd house → family lineage and inherited values
8th house → inheritance, hidden matters and ancestral resources
Together, these houses and planets provide a much richer framework than simply looking for one “Pitru Dosha” combination.
Pitru Paksha Is Not Only About Pitru Dosha
This is perhaps the most important distinction.
Pitru Paksha and Pitru Dosha are not the same thing.
Pitru Paksha is a traditional ancestral observance.
Pitru Dosha is an astrological interpretive concept.
A person does not need to have Pitru Dosha in the horoscope to observe Pitru Paksha.
Similarly, someone with an astrologically identified Pitru Dosha should not assume that one ritual automatically resolves every problem.
The two concepts should be studied separately and then understood in relation to each other.
The Most Important Rule of Pitru Paksha
If one principle should be remembered above everything else, it is:
For Shraddha, identify the ancestor’s death Tithi first, and then determine the correct local Shraddha date and Muhurta.
Do not simply count fifteen calendar days from the beginning of Pitru Paksha.
The lunar Tithi can begin or end at different times, and two Tithis can occasionally fall on the same civil date.
Pitru Paksha 2026: Quick Reference
Main Shraddha sequence: September 27–October 10, 2026
Purnima Shraddha: September 26, 2026
Pratipada: September 27
Chaturthi + Panchami: September 30
Navami: October 4
Dwadashi: October 7
Trayodashi: October 8
Chaturdashi: October 9
Sarva Pitru Amavasya: October 10
Principal Shraddha period: Kutup → Rohina → Aparahna
Primary date-selection principle: Death Tithi
If death Tithi is unknown: Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally used for collective ancestral remembrance.
Important: Exact Muhurta should be calculated for the city where the Shraddha will actually be performed because sunrise, Tithi boundaries and daytime divisions vary by location.
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha represents one of the most distinctive intersections between Hindu ritual tradition, lunar astronomy, Muhurta Shastra and Vedic astrology.
Its foundation is the Tithi, not the ordinary calendar date. Its principal ritual period falls in the Aparahna, with Kutup and Rohina Muhurtas holding particular importance. Its astrological symbolism extends toward the 9th house, Sun, Moon, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, Magha Nakshatra and ancestral lineage.
The deeper message of Pitru Paksha is not simply fear of Pitru Dosha. It is the recognition that every individual stands within a chain of generations.
In Jyotisha, the past is never completely separated from the present. The 9th house represents Dharma and lineage, the Sun carries the symbolism of the father and ancestral authority, Saturn represents karmic responsibility, and Magha connects the horoscope with the ancestral throne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is the approximately fortnight-long period dedicated to remembering and honouring departed ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpana, Pinda Dana, charity and other traditional observances.
When does Pitru Paksha occur?
Pitru Paksha occurs during the Krishna Paksha, or waning phase of the Moon, in the lunar month traditionally associated with Bhadrapada/Ashwin. The exact Gregorian dates change every year.
When is Pitru Paksha in 2026?
In 2026, the main Pitru Paksha Shraddha sequence runs from September 27 to October 10, with Purnima Shraddha observed separately on September 26.
What is the most important factor for deciding the Shraddha date?
The most important factor is the death Tithi of the ancestor. Shraddha is traditionally performed on the corresponding Tithi during Pitru Paksha rather than simply on the Gregorian anniversary.
What is a Tithi?
A Tithi is a lunar day determined by the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
Why can two Shraddha Tithis fall on the same date?
A Tithi does not necessarily last for one complete civil day. It can begin and end at different times. Consequently, two Tithis can occasionally occur on the same Gregorian date.
What if the exact death Tithi of an ancestor is unknown?
Traditionally, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is used for ancestors whose specific death Tithi is unknown.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the Amavasya at the conclusion of Pitru Paksha. It is regarded as a particularly important day for remembering ancestors, especially when their individual Shraddha Tithi is unknown.
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2026?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10, 2026.
What is Aparahna Kaal?
Aparahna is the afternoon portion of the daytime. Traditional Parvan Shraddha is generally performed during this period rather than at night.
What is Kutup Muhurta?
Kutup Muhurta is a specific daytime period traditionally considered particularly suitable for Shraddha rituals. It occurs during the broader Aparahna period.
What is Rohina Muhurta?
Rohina Muhurta follows Kutup Muhurta and is another traditional period associated with Shraddha.
Can Shraddha be performed in the morning?
Traditional Parvan Shraddha is generally associated with the Aparahna period. The exact procedure and timing should be determined according to the local Panchanga and family tradition.
Is Rahu Kaal the main factor in deciding Shraddha Muhurta?
No. Shraddha has its own specialized timing principles. The correct Tithi and appropriate Shraddha period are more fundamental than mechanically applying ordinary Muhurta rules.
Which house represents ancestors in Vedic astrology?
The 9th house is particularly important because it represents father, Dharma, lineage, ancestors, blessings and traditions. The 2nd and 8th houses can also become relevant when studying family lineage and inheritance.
Which planet represents the father and paternal lineage?
The Sun is the principal significator of the father and is also associated symbolically with lineage, authority and ancestral identity.
Is Saturn connected with ancestors?
Saturn is traditionally associated with karma, responsibility, longevity, deprivation and burdens carried across generations. Some astrologers therefore examine Saturn when studying ancestral themes.
Is Magha Nakshatra connected with ancestors?
Yes. Magha Nakshatra has a particularly strong ancestral association. Its deity is the Pitris, traditionally understood as the ancestral beings.
What is Pitru Dosha?
Pitru Dosha is an astrological concept used by different Jyotisha traditions to describe certain afflictions or karmic patterns associated with ancestors and lineage.
Does Rahu in the 9th house automatically create Pitru Dosha?
No. A single planetary placement should not automatically be declared Pitru Dosha. The 9th house, 9th lord, Sun, Rahu, Ketu, relevant divisional charts, Dashas and the overall horoscope should be considered.
Does Sun with Rahu automatically mean Pitru Dosha?
Not necessarily. Sun-Rahu conjunction can be one of the combinations examined by some astrologers, but its interpretation depends on the complete horoscope.
Are Pitru Paksha and Pitru Dosha the same thing?
No. Pitru Paksha is a traditional period for ancestral observance, whereas Pitru Dosha is an astrological interpretive concept. A person does not need to have Pitru Dosha to perform Shraddha.
Can Pitru Paksha remove all problems caused by Pitru Dosha?
Traditional beliefs regard Shraddha and ancestral offerings as important remedial practices, but astrology does not provide a basis for guaranteeing that one ritual will eliminate every difficulty in a person’s life.
What is Tarpana?
Tarpana is the traditional offering of water, often accompanied by mantras, in remembrance of the ancestors.
What is Pinda Dana?
Pinda Dana involves offering ritual pindas, traditionally prepared from materials such as rice, as part of ancestral rites.
Why are crows fed during Pitru Paksha?
The crow has a traditional symbolic association with the ancestors in Hindu ritual practice. Feeding crows therefore forms part of ancestral observances in many families.
What is Matru Navami?
Navami during Pitru Paksha is traditionally associated with remembering and honouring the mother and maternal lineage and is commonly known as Matru Navami.
Which Tithi is associated with ancestors who died an unnatural death?
In many traditional practices, Chaturdashi has a special association with people who died through accidents, violence or other unnatural circumstances.
Which Tithi is associated with Sannyasis?
Dwadashi has a special association with Shraddha for those who had entered Sannyasa according to traditional classifications.
Can weddings be performed during Pitru Paksha?
Traditional Hindu families generally avoid major auspicious ceremonies such as weddings during Pitru Paksha because the period is dedicated primarily to ancestral observances. Practices vary by tradition.
Can I start a business during Pitru Paksha?
There is no universal rule that ordinary work must stop. However, families following strict Muhurta traditions may postpone major auspicious inaugurations until after Pitru Paksha.
Does Pitru Paksha affect everyone astrologically?
Pitru Paksha is a traditional observance for everyone, but its specific astrological relevance can differ from horoscope to horoscope. The 9th house, Sun, Saturn, Rahu-Ketu, Dashas and relevant transits may be examined when studying individual ancestral themes.
Can Pitru Paksha be studied through Vimshottari Dasha?
Yes. An astrologer may examine the Mahadasha and Antardasha of the Sun, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, 9th lord or other relevant planets when studying periods in which ancestral themes may become prominent.
Is the Gregorian date or Tithi more important for Shraddha?
Traditionally, the Tithi is more important. The Gregorian date is used to locate when that Tithi occurs at the relevant location.
Why should the local Panchanga be consulted?
Tithi boundaries, sunrise, sunset and Muhurta timings vary according to geographical location. Therefore, the exact Shraddha Muhurta should be calculated for the place where the ritual will be performed.
What is the central astrological message of Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha reminds us of the connection between ancestry, lineage, Dharma, karma and family continuity. In Jyotisha, these themes can be studied particularly through the 9th house, Sun, Saturn, Rahu-Ketu and Magha Nakshatra, while remembering that no single planetary combination should be interpreted in isolation.