Chaitra Purnima 2026

Chaitra Purnima is one of the sacred days, as it marks the first full moon in the Chaitra month, the beginning month of the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu for inner peace and spiritual cleansing. It also marks the birth of Lord Hanuman. Devotees thus observe this day by worshipping deities, fasting to clear past debts, and praying for a prosperous and successful life ahead. As this day holds so much significance, one must know how to observe it and when it falls in 2026. 

Chaitra Purnima 2026 Date and Timings 

Chaitra Purnima falls on 2nd April 2026. The tithi begins at 7:06 A.M. on April 1 and lasts until 7:41 A.M. on April 2, 2026. 

Date	Timings
April 2, 2026	From April 1, 2026, 7:06 A.M to April 2, 2026, 7:41 A.M

 

How to Observe Chaitra Purnima Fast? 

1. Take a Holy Bath and Sankalp 

• Wake up early in the morning, specifically during Bhrama Muhurata
• Take a bath or add Ganga Jal to the water 
• Take Sankalp to observe fast for whatever you desire in life 
• Specifically, wear yellow or white clothes

1. Observe a Fast 

• Do Nirjala fast, take one time satvic meal, or eat only fruits, during the afternoon 
• Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times 
• Break the fast by consuming kheer (made up with milk and rice) first

1. Pooja Vidhi 

• Worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and Lord Hanuman 
• Offer fresh flowers, sweets, and incense, and light mustard lamps 
• Recite Satyanarayan Katha, Hanuman Chalisa, and also the Bhagwat Gita 
• In the end, do the aarti and if possible, donate clothes, 

1. Moon Worship and Evening Rituals 

• In a brass or copper vessel, add a few drops of milk and white flower to water 
• Offer water to the moon by chanting “Om Chandraya Namaha” 
• After offering water, spend some time under the light of the moon to meditate and ask the divine to forgive for any past or present mistakes

Chaitra Purnima Significance 

Devotion to Lord Vishnu: Chaitra Purnima is sacred to Lord Vishnu and Lord Satyanarayan, making it one of the most auspicious days to offer prayers, perform Satyanarayan Katha, and seek divine blessings for prosperity and protection.

Birth of Lord Hanuman: According to popular belief, Chaitra Purnima is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti in most parts of India, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of devotion, strength, and selfless service.

Spiritual Merits & Charity: Any act of charity, donation, or seva performed on this day is believed to multiply manifold, as the full moon amplifies the energy of good deeds and noble intentions. 

Ancestral Blessings: Chaitra Purnima holds importance for performing rituals dedicated to ancestors, as the full moon is considered an auspicious time to offer prayers for the peace and liberation of departed souls.

Chithirai Festival: In Tamil Nadu, Chaitra Purnima is celebrated as Chithirai Pournami, marking the divine marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar and drawing thousands of devotees to the Madurai Meenakshi temple.

Sacred Bathing & Purification: Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga on Chaitra Purnima is believed to wash away sins, purify the soul, and bring one closer to moksha.

Abundance and New Beginnings: Falling in the first month of the Hindu New Year, Chaitra Purnima carries the energy of fresh starts, abundance, and divine grace, making it an ideal day to set intentions and begin auspicious endeavours.