SS Bhakthi

Namaskaram

2026

Phalguna Pournami 2026

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Key details

For Hyderabad

Phalguna Pournami

Phalguna Pournami: Kamuni Punnami and Holika Dahanam

Phalguna Pournami is the full moon of Phalguna Shukla Paksha, the last month of the Telugu year. In Telugu regions it is called Kamuni Punnami: Kama Dahanam or Holika Dahanam is performed on this night, and the colourful Holi is played the next day, Bahula Padyami. As the last full moon of the year, it also welcomes the spring season.

The Story of Kama Dahanam

The devas wanted Shiva to marry Parvati so that a son could be born to destroy Tarakasura. To stir Shiva from deep tapas, Manmatha shot his flower arrow at him. Angered, Shiva opened his third eye and Manmatha was reduced to ashes. Moved by Rati's prayers, Shiva granted that Manmatha would live on without a body, as Ananga. In many Telugu villages, including in Telangana and Rayalaseema, people collect firewood and cow-dung cakes to burn an effigy of Kama on this night.

Holika and Prahlada

Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu. His sister Holika, who had a boon that fire could not burn her, sat in a fire with Prahlada on her lap. Prahlada kept chanting Narayana's name and came out unharmed, while Holika was burnt. Holika Dahanam celebrates this victory of devotion over arrogance, across North India and in the Telugu states.

How It Is Observed

  • Bathe in the morning and worship your family deity; many families perform Satyanarayana Vratham on this Pournami.
  • In the evening, at the auspicious time, the Kama Dahanam or Holika fire is lit. People circle it and offer coconut, chickpeas and new grain.
  • Some families worship Goddess Lakshmi, as one tradition regards Phalguna Pournami as Lakshmi Jayanti.
  • Next morning, people play Holi with colours and vasantham; natural colours are the safer choice.

The Inner Meaning

Kama Dahanam reminds us to burn unhealthy desires, and Holika Dahanam to burn ego and hatred. As winter ends and spring begins, the spirit of the day is to forget old quarrels and share joy with everyone. Within a fortnight, Ugadi ushers in the new Telugu year.

May the light of Phalguna Pournami burn away the darkness in your life and bring a fresh spring.

Frequently asked questions

When is Phalguna Pournami?
Phalguna Pournami falls on the full moon tithi of Phalguna Shukla Paksha, the last month of the Telugu year. Kama Dahanam is done that night and Holi is played the next day.
What is Kamuni Punnami?
Kamuni Punnami is the Telugu name for Phalguna Pournami. It recalls Shiva burning Manmatha with his third eye, and in many villages an effigy of Kama is burnt on this night.
Why is Holika Dahanam performed?
Holika Dahanam recalls how Holika, who tried to burn Prahlada, was herself consumed by the fire while Prahlada survived by chanting Narayana's name. It symbolises the victory of devotion over arrogance.
Is Holi on Pournami or the next day?
The bonfire of Holika Dahanam or Kama Dahanam is lit on the night of Phalguna Pournami. Holi with colours is played on the following day, Bahula Padyami.
Which puja is done on Phalguna Pournami?
Many families perform the Satyanarayana Vratham or Lakshmi puja on this day. In the evening, people circle the sacred fire and offer coconut and chickpeas.
Is Phalguna Pournami Lakshmi Jayanti?
One tradition regards Phalguna Pournami as Lakshmi Jayanti, the day Goddess Lakshmi emerged during the churning of the ocean. Families who follow it perform a special Lakshmi puja on this day.

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