Purnima Dates 2026 – Full Moon Calendar, Rituals & Significance
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.
⚠️ Important 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. This extra month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it highly auspicious for Satyanarayan Puja.
📅 2026 Purnima Calendar (Date & Time)
Planning a Satyanarayan Puja? The most auspicious time is the evening (Pradosh Kaal) of the Purnima date listed below.
| 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
*Purushottam Maas (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 |
🕉️ Performing Satyanarayan Puja on Purnima?
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🌸 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.
- Adhik Jyeshtha Purnima (May 31): A rare occurrence happening approx every 3 years. This “Extra Purnima” is highly auspicious for Vishnu worship. Acts of charity (Daan) performed on this day yield 10x results.
- Guru Purnima (July 29): Dedicated to Ved Vyasa and spiritual gurus. It is the best day to initiate new mantras or learning.
- Shravana Purnima (Aug 28): Celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. In 2026, this festival arrives later than usual due to the Adhik Maas.
- 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
The most auspicious time is in the evening (Pradosh Kaal) or immediately after moonrise. Ensure the Purnima Tithi is active during the puja.
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.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravana Purnima. In 2026, due to the occurrence of an extra month (Adhik Jyeshtha) in May-June, the month of Shravana is pushed forward, causing Rakhi to fall on August 28.
