Vym Vaani

Purnima 2026: All Full Moon Dates, Significance & Fasting Guide

Complete list of all Purnima (full moon) dates in 2026, their significance, associated festivals, and fasting guide for the most sacred lunar days of the year.

All Purnima 2026 Dates

  • January 13: Paush Purnima (Makar Sankranti, Prayagraj Mela begins)
  • February 12: Magha Purnima (sacred river bathing)
  • March 14: Phalguna Purnima / Holika Dahan (Holi eve)
  • April 12: Chaitra Purnima (Hanuman Jayanti)
  • May 12: Vaishakha Purnima (Buddha Purnima)
  • June 11: Jyeshtha Purnima (Vat Savitri)
  • July 10: Ashadha Purnima (Guru Purnima)
  • August 9: Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan)
  • September 7: Bhadrapada Purnima
  • October 6: Ashwin Purnima (Sharad Purnima, Kojagari)
  • November 5: Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali)
  • December 4: Margashirsha Purnima

Note: Exact dates may vary by 1 day based on location and panchang tradition.

Why Purnima is Sacred

In Hindu tradition, Purnima is the most powerful day of the lunar cycle. The full moon amplifies the Moon's energy, influencing tides, emotions, and spiritual awareness. Vedic astrology considers the Moon as the mind and emotions, so Purnima is a day of heightened consciousness. Many traditions prescribe fasting, prayer, and charity on Purnima to harness this lunar energy for spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Purnima and what are all Purnima dates in 2026?

Purnima (full moon) occurs once every lunar month. Purnima 2026 dates: January 13 (Paush Purnima / Makar Sankranti), February 12 (Magha Purnima), March 14 (Holika Dahan/Holi), April 12 (Hanuman Jayanti/Chaitra Purnima), May 12 (Buddha Purnima), June 11 (Jyeshtha Purnima), July 10 (Guru Purnima/Ashadha Purnima), August 9 (Shravan Purnima/Raksha Bandhan), September 7 (Bhadrapada Purnima), October 6 (Sharad Purnima/Kojagari), November 5 (Kartik Purnima), December 4 (Margashirsha Purnima). Note: Exact dates may vary by location.

Which Purnima is most auspicious in 2026?

Each Purnima has its own significance: Paush Purnima (January 13) for beginning of Magh Mela, Magha Purnima (February 12) for bathing in sacred rivers, Holi Purnima (March 14) for Holika Dahan, Buddha Purnima (May 12) as Vesak, Guru Purnima (July 10) for honoring teachers, Raksha Bandhan Purnima (August 9) for sibling festival, and Sharad Purnima (October 6) for Kojagari puja and Lakshmi worship under moonlight.

What is Sharad Purnima 2026 and its significance?

Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on October 6, 2026. On this night, the Moon is believed to be at its closest to Earth (Perigee full moon) and to radiate nectar (amrita). Kheer (rice pudding) is placed under moonlight on Sharad Purnima night to absorb the moon's healing rays. This is also the night of Kojagari Puja and Raas Purnima (Krishna's divine dance).

What is Kartik Purnima 2026?

Kartik Purnima 2026 falls on November 5, 2026. It is known as Tripuri Purnima or Dev Diwali (Festival of the Gods). On this night, the gods light lamps in the sky. Bathing in sacred rivers (especially Pushkar and Varanasi Ganga) on Kartik Purnima is extremely meritorious. It also marks the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the marriage season.

What should be done on Purnima fasting?

Purnima vrat involves fasting from sunrise to moonrise (when the full moon appears). Permitted foods during fast: fruits, milk, curd, sabudana, and makhana. Break the fast after moonrise by first performing Chandra Puja (Moon worship) and then eating sattvic food. Chanting 'Om Chandraya Namah' 108 times enhances the benefits of Purnima vrat.

Which festivals fall on Purnima in 2026?

Major festivals on Purnima 2026: Makar Sankranti (Jan 13), Holi (March 14), Hanuman Jayanti (April 12), Buddha Purnima (May 12), Guru Purnima (July 10), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), Sharad Purnima (October 6), Dev Diwali/Kartik Purnima (November 5). Each Purnima carries the theme of its respective month and the festivals associated with it.

What is Mauni Amavasya vs Purnima fasting?

Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) are both significant lunar days for fasting. Purnima is associated with Vishnu, Chandra (Moon), and auspicious beginnings. Amavasya is associated with ancestors (Pitru) and Shiva. Purnima fasts are for blessings and prosperity; Amavasya fasts are primarily for ancestral peace. Both are powerful days for spiritual practice.

Is there a Purnima in every month of 2026?

Yes, there is exactly one Purnima (full moon) every lunar month, so there are 12 Purnimas in a regular year. In a leap year (Adhika Maas), there can be 13 Purnimas. 2026 is a regular year with 12 Purnimas. Each Purnima falls on a different date of the Gregorian calendar since the lunar cycle (29.5 days) differs from the solar month.

How does the full moon (Purnima) affect astrology and horoscopes?

The full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun, creating maximum lunar influence. In Vedic astrology, the full moon strengthens the Moon's energy and intensifies emotions. People with Moon in prominent positions in their natal chart may feel heightened sensitivity on Purnima nights. Performing Chandra Shanti puja and Moon mantra chanting on Purnima is highly beneficial for those with afflicted Moon.