{
  "id": 9915510,
  "title": "Why Does Pitru Paksha Begin After Ganesh Visarjan? Know The Religious Significance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/why-does-pitru-paksha-begin-after-ganesh-visarjan-know-the-religious",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T05:12:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/why-does-pitru-paksha-begin-after-ganesh-visarjan-know-the-religious-significance"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Friday, September 2026, devotees across India observed Anant Chaturdashi with enthusiasm, celebrating the return of Lord Ganesha after Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Anant Chaudas. Bhadrapada Purnima, which falls on Saturday, September 26, 2026, marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha, a 16-lunar-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors. During this time, Hindus perform rituals such as tarpan, pind daan, and shraddha to seek blessings from departed family members.\n\nPitru Paksha generally occurs after the grand festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Visarjan. The question arises as to why Pitru Paksha commences after Ganesh Visarjan. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed devotees performing a holy dip in the Ganga on Purnima, ahead of Pitru Paksha.\n\nBhadrapada Purnima, the sacred full moon day in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada, is considered auspicious for religious rituals and donations. It is believed that performing these acts with devotion on this full moon day brings happiness, prosperity, and relief from financial difficulties to the household.\n\nGanesh Chaturthi, celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Bhadrapada month, involves the worship of Lord Ganesha for several days before the idol is immersed in water on different days, with Anant Chaturdashi being a significant day for Visarjan. After Anant Chaturdashi, the lunar calendar transitions into the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of Bhadrapada, which is traditionally associated with Pitru Paksha. This period culminates with Sarvapitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya.\n\nAccording to Hindu beliefs, the day and night are equal during this time, known as the Autumnal Equinox. The sun, positioned on the celestial equator, enters the realm of Lord Yamraj just after dipping into the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing a new phase for the departed ancestors.",
  "summary": "Devotees from across the country observed Anant Chaturdashi on Friday, September 2026, with regional fervour and vibrant celebration. The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but it also marks the return of Lord Ganesha. After a day of Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Anant Chaudas, Bhadrapada Purnima is being observed on Saturday, September 26, 2026, which also marks Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha is a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}