Madhyashtami falls on Ashtami during Pitru Paksha Shraddh. It falls on eighth day in Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month as per North Indian Hindi calendars. In 2022, Madhyashtami date is September 18.
As per Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu calendar, Madhyashtami coincides with Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Bhadrapada Month.
On Madhyashtami, Ashtami Shraddh is performed. The dead ancestors are offered Pitru Tharpana and Pinda Daan by their successors.
Shraddh Timings, 18 September 2022
Ashtami Shraddh 2022 – 18 September – Madhvashtami or Arudrashtami; Shraddh Timings – 1.17 PM to 3.42 PM
Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad Sangam and Rameswaram are the best holy places for Pitru paksha Shraddh. In Tamil Nadu, Noopura Ganga Theertham in Alagar Kovil near Madurai is the holiest spot for Ashtami Shraddh.
Usually, Madhyashtami falls on Ardra Nakshatra. Hence it is also referred to as Arudrashtami. Lord Shiva is also worshipped on this day.