October 2026 Purnima and Amavasya Dates: Tithi Timings, Rituals and Significance

October 2026 Purnima and Amavasya: The Hindu lunar calendar will observe one Purnima (Full Moon) and one Amavasya (New Moon) during October 2026. The month’s Amavasya will be observed as Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, marking the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, while the Sharad Purnima night falls on October 25, with the Purnima tithi continuing into October 26. Both lunar days hold important religious significance, with Amavasya associated with ancestral rituals and Purnima linked with prayers, fasting, Lakshmi worship and devotional observances.

Also Read: October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates

October 2026 Purnima and Amavasya Dates

There will be one Amavasya and one Purnima in October 2026.

Lunar Day	Date	Tithi Timings	Significance
Sarva Pitru Amavasya	October 10, 2026, Saturday	Amavasya begins October 9 at around 9:36 PM and ends October 10 at around 9:20 PM	Conclusion of Pitru Paksha, Shraddha and Tarpan
Sharad Purnima / Ashwina Purnima	October 25, 2026, Sunday	Purnima begins October 25 at around 11:56 AM and ends October 26 at around 9:41 AM	Lakshmi worship, Kojagara Puja and Sharad Purnima observances

*Timings above are based on New Delhi calculations and can vary slightly by location.*

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026: Date and Time

Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026. It is the final Amavasya of Pitru Paksha and is also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitra Visarjani Amavasya in different traditions. For New Delhi, the Amavasya tithi begins at around 9:37 PM on October 9 and ends at around 9:21 PM on October 10. Because the tithi prevails at sunrise on October 10, that is the observance date for Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya has special importance because it is traditionally considered the day to perform Shraddha for ancestors whose specific death tithi may not be known or whose annual observance could not be performed on the corresponding day.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya Rituals

On this day, families traditionally perform Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan according to their family customs. Offerings of water, sesame, food and other items may be made in remembrance of departed ancestors. Charity and feeding Brahmins or those in need are also associated with Pitru observances. The rituals are generally performed during the Aparahna period, with the exact suitable time depending on the location. For example, the available New Delhi calculations place the Amavasya tithi from October 9 night through October 10 evening Pitru Paksha 2026 begins with Pratipada Shraddha on September 27 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10.

Why Sarva Pitru Amavasya Is Important

Sarva Pitru Amavasya represents the concluding stage of the annual Pitru Paksha period. It provides an opportunity for families to remember ancestors collectively and perform traditional rites for their departed family members. The observance is not simply about rituals; it is also associated with gratitude, remembrance and family traditions passed from one generation to another. Devotees may spend the day offering prayers, preparing traditional food and making charitable donations in memory of their ancestors.

Also Read: October 2026 Ekadashi Dates: Indira Ekadashi, Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Timings, Parana Time and Significance

Sharad Purnima 2026: Date and Time

Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026, while the Purnima tithi continues until the morning of October 26. The tithi begins at approximately 11:56 AM on October 25 and ends around 9:41 AM on October 26 in New Delhi.

This difference between the festival date and the Purnima tithi date is important. Sharad Purnima is traditionally associated with the full-moon night, so the festival is observed on the night of October 25, even though the Purnima tithi remains in effect on October 26 morning.

Sharad Purnima is also known as Ashwina Purnima and Kojagara Purnima in different traditions. The October 2026 Hindu festival calendar lists Kojagara Puja and Sharad Purnima on October 25, followed by Ashwina Purnima on October 26.

Sharad Purnima Rituals

Devotees may begin the day with a holy bath and prayers before observing a fast according to their family tradition. In the evening, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu may be worshipped, while some traditions also associate the night with Lord Krishna's divine Raas.

One of the most familiar Sharad Purnima traditions involves preparing kheer and placing it under the moonlight as a devotional offering. The practice is particularly popular in North and Central India.

Some devotees also stay awake during the night as part of Kojagara Puja, which is associated with Goddess Lakshmi and prayers for prosperity. The midnight Nishita period is particularly relevant for Kojagara observances. For New Delhi, one Panchang calculation places Nishita Kaal at approximately 11:39 PM to 12:30 AM on the night of October 25–26.

Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja

Sharad Purnima is closely connected with Kojagara Puja, a night-time worship tradition dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The word Kojagara is traditionally associated with the question of who is awake during the auspicious night. Devotees may keep their homes clean, light diyas, offer flowers and sweets, and perform Lakshmi Puja. Some families observe a night vigil and prepare kheer as a special offering.

Because the observance involves the Moon and night-time rituals, Moonrise and local Panchang timings can be more relevant than a generic date. The Moonrise time differs between cities, so devotees planning a specific ritual should check the Panchang for their location.

Purnima and Amavasya in October 2026: What to Observe

October 2026 therefore brings two contrasting lunar observances. Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10 concludes Pitru Paksha and focuses on ancestral remembrance, Shraddha, Tarpan and charity. Sharad Purnima on October 25 brings a full-moon night associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Kojagara Puja, devotional practices and traditional kheer offerings. Since Hindu tithi calculations are location-sensitive, Purnima and Amavasya timings may vary slightly from one city to another. The dates above use Indian/New Delhi Panchang calculations for reference, while devotees should follow their local Panchang for exact ritual, Moonrise and muhurat timings.