Purnima Dates in 2026: The Purnima dates in 2026 mark the sacred Full Moon days in the Hindu calendar, observed for fasting, spiritual rituals and religious worship. Each Purnima Tithi holds deep importance for vrat observance, charity and devotion, making it a key part of Hindu Panchang planning.
In 2026, Purnima falls once every lunar month, with some months featuring Adhika Purnima due to lunar adjustments. These Full Moon days are closely linked to rituals such as Purnima Vrat, Shri Satyanarayana Puja and Pournami Vratam, observed across India with regional variations.
What is Purnima in the Hindu Calendar?
Purnima is the Full Moon Day when the Moon is completely illuminated. It falls on the Shukla Paksha and is considered highly auspicious for fasting, meditation and temple worship. In North India, it is called Purnima or Poornima, while in South India it is known as Pournami.
2026 Purnima Dates Table
| Purnima Name | Date (2026) | Day | Purnima Tithi Timings (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pausha Purnima | January 3 | Saturday | Jan 2, 06:53 PM – Jan 3, 03:32 PM |
| Magha Purnima | February 1 | Sunday | Feb 1, 05:52 AM – Feb 2, 03:38 AM |
| Phalguna Purnima | March 3 | Tuesday | Mar 2, 05:55 PM – Mar 3, 05:07 PM |
| Chaitra Purnima | April 2 | Thursday | Apr 1, 07:06 AM – Apr 2, 07:41 AM |
| Vaishakha Purnima | May 1 | Friday | Apr 30, 09:12 PM – May 1, 10:52 PM |
| Adhika Purnima | May 31 | Sunday | May 30, 11:57 AM – May 31, 02:14 PM |
| Jyeshtha Purnima | June 29 | Monday | Jun 29, 03:06 AM – Jun 30, 05:26 AM |
| Ashadha Purnima | July 29 | Wednesday | Jul 28, 06:18 PM – Jul 29, 08:05 PM |
| Shravana Purnima | August 28 | Friday | Aug 27, 09:08 AM – Aug 28, 09:48 AM |
| Bhadrapada Purnima | September 26 | Saturday | Sep 25, 11:06 PM – Sep 26, 10:18 PM |
| Ashwina Purnima | October 26 | Monday | Oct 25, 11:55 AM – Oct 26, 09:41 AM |
| Kartika Purnima | November 24 | Tuesday | Nov 23, 11:42 PM – Nov 24, 08:23 PM |
| Margashirsha Purnima | December 23 | Wednesday | Dec 23, 10:47 AM – Dec 24, 06:57 AM |
Purnima Vrat and Fasting Rules
Purnima fasting may be observed on the Purnima day or one day earlier depending on when the Purnima Tithi begins. If Purnima starts during Madhyahna on the previous day, fasting may shift to Chaturdashi. This rule is followed strictly as per traditional Panchang calculations.
Religious and Spiritual Significance of Purnima
Purnima is believed to enhance positive energy, clarity, and spiritual growth. Many devotees observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise, offer prayers to Vishnu, Shiva or the presiding deity of the month and perform charity for spiritual merit.
Important festivals like Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima, Kartika Purnima and Sharad Purnima are all observed on Full Moon days.
Purnima and Shri Satyanarayana Puja
Shri Satyanarayana Puja is usually observed on Purnima, but in some cases, it may be performed a day earlier depending on the start of Purnima Tithi. Devotees are advised to check local Panchang details before planning the vrat.
Purnima in North and South India
While North India follows Purnima fasting till moonrise, South India observes Pournami Vratam from sunrise until the Moon is sighted. Since lunar timings vary by location, fasting days may differ slightly.
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FAQs
What are the Purnima dates in 2026?
Purnima occurs once every lunar month in 2026. Each date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar and local Panchang calculations.
What is Purnima in the Hindu calendar?
Purnima is the Full Moon Day and marks the end of the Shukla Paksha. It is considered sacred for fasting, worship, and charity.
How many Purnima days are there in 2026?
There are 12 regular Purnima days in 2026, along with Adhika Purnima due to the lunar cycle.
What is Purnima Vrat and why is it observed?
Purnima Vrat is a religious fast observed for spiritual growth, mental peace, and divine blessings.
When should Purnima fasting be observed?
Purnima fasting may be observed on the Purnima day or on Chaturdashi, depending on the start time of the Purnima Tithi.
Is Purnima good for Satyanarayana Puja?
Yes, Satyanarayana Puja is commonly performed on or around Purnima, depending on regional and Panchang rules.
What rituals are performed on Purnima?
Common rituals include fasting, evening moon sighting, temple visits, charity, and recitation of sacred texts.
What is the difference between Purnima and Pournami?
Purnima is used in North India, while Pournami is commonly used in South India. Both refer to the Full Moon Day.
Do Purnima dates vary by location?
Yes, Purnima timings depend on local sunrise and moonrise, so dates may vary slightly by region.
Why is moonrise important on Purnima day?
Moonrise marks the completion of Purnima rituals, especially for those observing Pournami Vratam.
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