Festivals
Purnima Dates 2026 – Full Moon Calendar, Rituals &…
Purnima Dates 2026: Full Moon Calendar with Tithi Timings
In the vast ocean of Sanatan Dharma, few celestial events hold as much spiritual depth as Purnima (पूर्णिमा). The word Purnima symbolizes “completeness,” marking the day when the moon glows in its fullest glory, dispelling darkness from the sky and our minds.
Note for 2026: This is a special year in the Hindu Calendar as it contains an Adhik Maas (Extra Month). Therefore, devotees will witness 13 Purnimas instead of the usual 12. Below is the detailed calendar with accurate Tithi Start and End timings (IST) to help you plan your Satyanarayan Puja and Vrat.
📅 2026 Purnima Calendar (Date & Time)
| Purnima Name | Date (2026) | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pausha Purnima | Jan 3 (Sat) | Jan 2, 18:53 | Jan 3, 15:32 |
| Magha Purnima | Feb 1 (Sun) | Feb 1, 05:52 | Feb 2, 03:38 |
| Phalguna Purnima (Holi) |
Mar 3 (Tue) | Mar 2, 17:55 | Mar 3, 17:07 |
| Chaitra Purnima (Hanuman Jayanti) |
Apr 2 (Thu) | Apr 1, 07:06 | Apr 2, 07:41 |
| Vaishakha Purnima (Buddha Purnima) |
May 1 (Fri) | Apr 30, 21:12 | May 1, 22:52 |
| Adhik Jyeshtha Purnima *Extra Month |
May 31 (Sun) | May 30, 11:57 | May 31, 14:14 |
| Nija Jyeshtha Purnima (Vat Purnima) |
Jun 29 (Mon) | Jun 29, 03:06 | Jun 30, 05:26 |
| Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima) |
Jul 29 (Wed) | Jul 28, 18:18 | Jul 29, 20:05 |
| Shravana Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) |
Aug 28 (Fri) | Aug 27, 09:08 | Aug 28, 09:48 |
| Bhadrapada Purnima | Sep 26 (Sat) | Sep 25, 23:06 | Sep 26, 22:18 |
| Sharad Purnima (Ashwin Purnima) |
Oct 26 (Mon) | Oct 25, 11:55 | Oct 26, 09:41 |
| Kartika Purnima (Dev Diwali) |
Nov 24 (Tue) | Nov 23, 23:42 | Nov 24, 20:23 |
| Margashirsha Purnima (Dattatreya Jayanti) |
Dec 23 (Wed) | Dec 23, 10:47 | Dec 24, 06:58 |
*Timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST). For Satyanarayan Puja, it is best to perform the ritual in the evening (Pradosh Kaal) while the Purnima Tithi is active.
🌸 Significance of Major Purnimas in 2026
Each Full Moon carries a unique vibration and is dedicated to specific deities. Here is a quick breakdown to help you prepare:
- Phalguna Purnima (March 3): Celebrated as Holi, the festival of colors. It marks the burning of Holika and the triumph of devotion (Prahlad) over evil.
- Buddha Purnima (May 1): The birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. It is a day for meditation, non-violence, and charity.
- Adhik Purnima (May 31): A rare occurrence happening every 3 years. This extra Purnima is highly auspicious for Vishnu worship and performing charitable acts (Daan).
- Guru Purnima (July 29): Dedicated to Ved Vyasa and spiritual gurus. It is the best day to initiate new mantras or learning.
- Sharad Purnima (Oct 26): It is believed that on this night, the moon drips nectar (Amrit). Devotees prepare Kheer and leave it under moonlight to absorb divine healing properties.
🪔 Pujas to Perform on Purnima
Purnima is the most powerful day to invoke divine blessings. The high energy of the moon amplifies the results of your prayers. The most recommended rituals include:
Satyanarayan Puja
Performed for general happiness, prosperity, and before auspicious beginnings like marriage or housewarming.
Maha Ganpati Homa
Performed to remove obstacles (Vighna) in career, health, or personal life.
Mrityunjaya Homa
Dedicated to Lord Shiva for longevity, health, and protection from negative energies.
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🌕 Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to perform Satyanarayan Puja on Purnima?
The most auspicious time is in the evening (Pradosh Kaal) or immediately after moonrise. Ensure the Purnima Tithi is active during the puja.
2. Why are there two dates for some Purnimas?
Sometimes the Purnima Tithi spans across two days. The “Vrat” (Fasting) is usually observed on the day the Purnima Tithi is present during the evening/night, while the “Snan/Dan” (Bathing/Charity) might be done the next morning.
3. Can we perform Griha Pravesh on Purnima 2026?
Yes, Purnima is generally considered auspicious for Griha Pravesh. However, you should consult a Pandit to check for any specific “Bhadra” or inauspicious yogas on that specific date.
