Purnima पूर्णिमा
Purnima is the full-moon day that completes the bright fortnight - the Moon at its most luminous, presided over by Chandra. It is one of the most auspicious days of the month, and many of the year’s great festivals fall on it.
What is Purnima?
Purnima is the fifteenth tithi (lunar day) of the waxing fortnight, when the Moon stands directly opposite the Sun and is fully lit. It falls once in every lunar month. Classified as a Purna (“complete”) tithi, it is held to be especially favourable for worship, charity, satsang and the completion of undertakings.
Significance and observances
Purnima is sacred to Vishnu and to Chandra, the Moon. The characteristic observance is the Satyanarayan Puja and its katha, performed by families for wellbeing and gratitude. Many keep a Purnima fast, take a holy bath at first light, and give in charity. The full moon is also the great occasion for pilgrimage bathing, particularly through the Magha season.
The Purnima of each month
Every lunar month has a Purnima, and most carry a major festival:
| Lunar month | Best known as | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chaitra Purnima | Hanuman Jayanti | The full moon of Chaitra is kept as Hanuman Jayanti, the birth of Hanuman. |
| Vaishakha Purnima | Buddha Purnima | Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha; also Kurma Jayanti. |
| Jyeshtha Purnima | Vat Purnima | Vat Purnima (Vat Savitri in the west), when married women worship the banyan for their husband's long life. |
| Ashadha Purnima | Guru Purnima | Guru Purnima honours one's teacher and the sage Vyasa; Chaturmas devotions begin. |
| Shravana Purnima | Raksha Bandhan | Shravana Purnima brings Raksha Bandhan and, on the coast, Narali Purnima; the sacred thread (Upakarma) is renewed. |
| Bhadrapada Purnima | Bhadrapada Purnima | The full moon of Bhadrapada opens the Pitru Paksha fortnight of ancestral remembrance. |
| Ashwin Purnima | Sharad Purnima | Sharad (Kojagari) Purnima, when the harvest moon is brightest and Lakshmi is worshipped through the night. |
| Kartika Purnima | Kartik Purnima | Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali, Tripurari Purnima); also observed as Guru Nanak Jayanti. |
| Margashirsha Purnima | Dattatreya Jayanti | Margashirsha Purnima is kept as Dattatreya Jayanti, the birth of the deity Dattatreya. |
| Pausha Purnima | Pausha Purnima | Pausha Purnima, esteemed for holy bathing (the Magha bathing season and Prayag Mela) and Shakambhari worship. |
| Magha Purnima | Magha Purnima | Magha (Maghi) Purnima, a great day of sacred bathing, charity and the close of the Magha bathing month. |
| Phalguna Purnima | Holi | Phalguna Purnima brings Holika Dahan on its eve and Holi; also Lakshmi Jayanti. |
Frequently asked questions
What is Purnima?
Purnima is the full-moon tithi - the fifteenth and final day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), when the Moon is fully illuminated. It comes once a lunar month and is considered highly auspicious for worship, fasting and charity.
What is done on Purnima?
Many keep a Purnima vrat and perform the Satyanarayan Puja; devotees take a holy bath at dawn, give in charity, and worship Vishnu and the Moon (Chandra). It is regarded as a Purna (complete) tithi, well-suited to finishing works and spiritual practice.
Which festivals fall on Purnima?
Many major festivals fall on full-moon days - Guru Purnima (Ashadha), Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha), Raksha Bandhan (Shravana), Sharad Purnima (Ashwin), Kartik Purnima, Hanuman Jayanti (Chaitra) and Holi (Phalguna).
When is the next Purnima in Mumbai, MH?
The next Purnima in Mumbai, MH is Ashadha Purnima (Guru Purnima), on 29 July 2026.
Last updated 26 July 2026