Pournami 2026 – Date, Significance & Timings

Pournami (Full Moon day) is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, sacred to Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu. Fasting on Pournami and performing Satyanarayan Puja brings prosperity, health, and spiritual merit.

Significance

Pournami (பௌர்ணமி) is the Full Moon day of the Hindu lunar month, occurring when the Moon is completely illuminated and at its maximum brightness. It marks the end of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and the beginning of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). Every Pournami is associated with a specific Hindu month and has its own name and special significance. Margazhi Pournami (December-January) is considered the holiest, followed by Thai Pournami (January-February) when the Pournami falls in the Tamil month of Thai. The Kartik Pournami in November is celebrated as Dev Deepawali. Common observances on Pournami include Satyanarayan Puja, fasting, temple visits, and moonrise worship. Many temples hold special abhishekams and processions. Pournami is also considered auspicious for starting new ventures, spiritual retreats, and charitable activities.

How the Date is Determined

Falls on the Full Moon (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring twice every month.