Purnima Vrat Dates

In Sanatana tradition, Purnima Tithi is considered highly sacred. It is the fifteenth and final Tithi of Shukla Paksha, when the Moon appears fully illuminated. On this day, worship of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, Lord Satyanarayan and Chandra Dev, along with Vrat, Katha, sacred bathing and charity, is considered especially significant.

There is one Purnima in every lunar month. Therefore, there are usually 12 Purnimas in a year. When an Adhik Maas occurs, one additional Purnima may occur, bringing the total to 13.

Below you can find all Purnima dates for this year and the next year, along with the weekday and the start and end times of the Purnima Tithi. If an important Vrat or festival falls on a particular Purnima, its name is also shown with the corresponding date.

For today’s Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and other Panchang details, see Today’s Panchang. Information about other important Vrats and festivals is available on the Vrats and Festivals page.

Significance of Purnima Vrat

Purnima Tithi is considered especially important for Dharma, spiritual practice and charity. On this day, many devotees worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Satyanarayan, observe a Vrat and read or listen to the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha.

On the night of Purnima, the Moon appears in its full form. For this reason, there is also a tradition of Chandra Darshan and offering Arghya to Chandra Dev. Different Purnimas may have different religious significance, such as Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima, Kartik Purnima and Magh Purnima.

What Should You Do on Purnima?

Morning Bath: Take a bath around sunrise or early in the morning and wear clean clothes. If bathing in a sacred river is not possible, one may bathe at home with devotion.

Worship of Lord Vishnu: Worship Lord Shri Hari Vishnu or Lord Satyanarayan. Offer flowers, incense, a lamp, fruits and Tulsi leaves, and perform Mantra Japa according to your capacity.

Satyanarayan Vrat Katha: In many families, worship of Lord Satyanarayan and reading or listening to the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha on Purnima is a well-established tradition.

Charity: Donating food, clothes, money or other useful items according to one’s capacity is considered meritorious.

Chandra Darshan: After moonrise in the evening or at night, take Darshan of the Moon and offer water or Arghya according to your tradition.

Bhajan and Naam Smaran: Throughout the day, devotees may remember Bhagwan, perform Mantra Japa, sing Bhajans and Kirtan, and read sacred texts.

How Is Purnima Vrat Observed?

The method of observing Purnima Vrat may vary according to family and tradition. Generally, devotees bathe in the morning, worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Satyanarayan and take a Sankalp for the Vrat.

According to their capacity, devotees may observe the Vrat with Phalahar, milk-based food or one Satvik meal. Some devotees fast throughout the day and perform Parana after Chandra Darshan or completion of the Puja.

The true purpose of the Vrat is not simply to avoid food, but to maintain discipline in thought, speech and action while spending the day in remembrance of Bhagwan and following Satvik conduct.

What Can You Eat During Purnima Vrat?

Devotees observing the Vrat may, according to their tradition, consume fruits, milk, curd, Makhana, Sabudana, potatoes, Kuttu flour, Singhara flour and Sendha Namak.

In some families, there is also a tradition of eating one Satvik meal during Purnima Vrat. Therefore, the fasting rules should be followed according to one’s family, Guru or Sampradaya tradition.

Why Is Arghya Offered to the Moon on Purnima?

In Sanatana tradition, Chandra Dev is associated with the mind, coolness and gentleness. On the night of Purnima, the Moon appears fully illuminated, so many devotees offer water after Chandra Darshan and pray to Chandra Dev for peace, calmness and well-being.

Why Does the Purnima Date Sometimes Appear Different?

Tithis in the Hindu Panchang do not change at midnight according to the English calendar. A Tithi is determined by the astronomical positions of the Sun and Moon and may begin or end at any time during the day.

In addition, some Vrats and festivals depend on a specific period of Purnima Tithi, such as Pradosh, Aparahna or moonrise. Therefore, the date of a particular festival may sometimes appear different from the general Purnima Vrat date.

Important Purnimas

Magh Purnima: The Purnima of the month of Magh is considered especially important for sacred bathing, charity and religious observances.

Buddha Purnima: Vaishakh Purnima is celebrated as Buddha Purnima because of its association with important events in the life of Lord Buddha.

Guru Purnima: Ashadha Purnima is celebrated as Guru Purnima. This day is especially dedicated to expressing reverence and gratitude towards one’s Guru.

Shravan Purnima: Raksha Bandhan and several other religious observances are celebrated around the Purnima of the month of Shravan.

Sharad Purnima: The Purnima of the month of Ashwin is known as Sharad Purnima. In Vaishnava traditions, this Tithi is especially associated with Shri Krishna’s Maha Raas Leela.

Kartik Purnima: The Purnima of the month of Kartik is considered highly sacred and is also associated with Dev Deepawali in many places. Sacred bathing, Deep Daan and worship of Lord Vishnu hold special significance on this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Ekadashi Vrat Dates