Vaishakha Purnima 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals & Spiritual Importance
🌸 What is Vaishakha Purnima?
Vaishakha Purnima is the full-moon day of the Hindu month Vaishakha, falling after Chaitra Purnima. This day holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the culmination of the Vaishakha month — a period dedicated to charity, fasting and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Many also associate it with the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, celebrated as Buddha Purnima in India and abroad.
📅 Vaishakha Purnima 2026 — Date & Tithi
| Event | Date & Time (India – IST) |
|---|---|
| Day | Friday |
| Vaishakha Purnima (2026) | May 1, 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 09:29 AM on April 30, 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 11:47 AM on May 1, 2026 |
For accurate city-wise muhurta and tithi details, refer to the official panchang timings on
DrikPanchang.
🌞 Significance of Vaishakha Purnima
According to Hindu beliefs, Vaishakha Purnima is a day of purification and charity. Bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganga or Yamuna, fasting, and performing acts of charity bring immense spiritual benefits. Devotees also worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya to gain prosperity and peace. For Buddhists, the day commemorates Lord Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana.
🪔 Rituals & Practices
1. Holy Bath (Snan)
Devotees wake before sunrise, bathe in sacred rivers, and offer arghya to Lord Surya while chanting mantras. This symbolizes removal of sins and spiritual cleansing.
2. Puja and Charity (Daan)
- Perform Satyanarayan Puja or Rudrabhishek to seek divine blessings.
- Distribute food, clothes and donations to Brahmins and the poor. Vaishakha Daan is considered highly meritorious.
3. Fasting and Spiritual Discipline
Many observe a day-long fast, breaking it after evening puja. Some devotees perform Ekadashi-style upavas by avoiding grains and eating only fruits.
4. Reading Scriptures & Mantra Japa
Devotees recite the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasranamam and chant Lord Vishnu or Surya mantras for peace and inner clarity.
🕉️ Mantras to Chant on Vaishakha Purnima
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॐ सूर्याय नमः ॐ विष्णवे नमः ॐ नमो बुद्धाय
🧘♀️ Spiritual Meaning & Benefits
Vaishakha Purnima signifies illumination of the mind and detachment from worldly attachments. Observing the rituals with faith and devotion helps devotees attain peace and prosperity in life. Acts of charity performed on this day purify karma and lead towards moksha.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Vaishakha Purnima in 2026?
Vaishakha Purnima falls on Friday, May 1, 2026. Purnima Tithi starts on April 30 (09:29 AM) and ends on May 1 (11:47 AM).
2. Why is Vaishakha Purnima important?
It marks a day for spiritual cleansing through charity, fasting, holy bath and prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. For Buddhists, it is celebrated as Buddha Purnima.
3. What are common rituals on this day?
Holy bath in the Ganga, Satyanarayan Puja, fasting, donation of food and clothes, and chanting Vishnu mantras.
4. Which deities are worshipped?
Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya and in some regions Lord Buddha are revered on Vaishakha Purnima.
5. Can donations be made on this day?
Yes — giving charity or feeding the poor on Vaishakha Purnima is believed to wash away sins and multiply virtue.
