Purnima Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is considered auspicious for Satyanarayan Puja, Guru worship, and other observances. Different Purnimas are associated with different festivals (e.g. Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima).
Purnima Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, the full moon is a symbol of completeness and purity. Fasting on Purnima is said to purify the mind and body. Many major festivals fall on Purnima, including Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Guru Purnima.
Purnima Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a full-day or partial fast; bathe at sunrise.
- Offer white flowers, milk, and white cloth to the Moon at moonrise.
- Chant Chandra mantras; offer arghya (water) to the Moon.
- Break the fast after moonrise and puja.
Purnima Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ चन्द्रमसे नमः
oṃ candramase namaḥ
Salutations to Chandra
Purnima Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Fruits
- ●Milk
- ●Sattvic meal after moonrise
Purnima Regional Celebrations across India
Pan-India(पूर्णिमा)
Monthly full moon observance
North India(पूर्णिमा व्रत)
Chandra darshan, arghya
Purnima Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Fast and worship the Moon
- ✓Offer white items
- ✓Chant mantras
- ✓Break after moonrise
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat before moonrise if observing full fast
- ✗Avoid tamasic food
- ✗Do not disrespect the Moon
Purnima — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Purnima?
- Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- When is Purnima 2026?
- In 2026, Purnima falls on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
- What are the Purnima puja rituals?
- Observe a full-day or partial fast; bathe at sunrise.; Offer white flowers, milk, and white cloth to the Moon at moonrise.; Chant Chandra mantras; offer arghya (water) to the Moon.; Break the fast after moonrise and puja.
- What to eat on Purnima?
- Fruits, Milk, Sattvic meal after moonrise
- What should you do on Purnima?
- Fast and worship the Moon; Offer white items; Chant mantras
- What should you avoid on Purnima?
- Do not eat before moonrise if observing full fast; Avoid tamasic food; Do not disrespect the Moon
- Which deity is worshipped on Purnima?
- Purnima is dedicated to Chandra.
Upcoming Purnima Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Purnima is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Apr 2026 | Thursday | 07:02 pm | — |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | 06:48 pm | — |
| 31 May 2026 | Sunday | 07:31 pm | — |
| 29 Jun 2026 | Monday | 07:11 pm | — |
| 30 Jun 2026 | Tuesday | 07:58 pm | — |
| 29 Jul 2026 | Wednesday | 07:16 pm | — |
| 29 Jul 2026 | Wednesday | 07:16 pm | — |
| 28 Aug 2026 | Friday | 06:53 pm | — |
| 26 Sept 2026 | Saturday | 05:53 pm | — |
| 26 Oct 2026 | Monday | 05:34 pm | — |
| 26 Oct 2026 | Monday | 05:34 pm | — |
| 24 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | 04:56 pm | — |
| 22 Jan 2027 | Friday | 05:46 pm | — |
| 22 Mar 2027 | Monday | 06:37 pm | — |
| 20 Apr 2027 | Tuesday | 06:26 pm | — |