Ashtami Shraddha is the eighth day in Pitru Paksha. It falls on Ashtami tithi in Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapad month in Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu & Kannada Panchangams and in Ashwin month in North Indian Hindi calendars.
In 2026, Ashtami Shraddha date is September October 3.
It is also known as Arudrashtami when it coincides with Arudra nakshatram. Apart from shraddh rituals to dead ancestors, Shiva Puja is also performed on this day.
Benefits or the merits of doing Ashtami Shraddha is – This helps those pithrus who lead a life without dharma. It would help them had they repented for their behaviour.
Shraddh Timings, 3 October 2026
Ashtami Shraddh 2026 – October 3 – Madhvashtami or Arudrashtami; Shraddh Timings – 1.16 PM to 3.43 PM
The best places for Pitru tharpana shraddh are: Varanasi, Prayag sangam, Haridwar, Rishikesh & Rameswaram.
The ideal place for Ashtami Shraddha as per Tamil beliefs is Noopura Ganga Theertham in Alagar Kovil near Madurai.