Pusya Pournami 2026

Pushya Pournami: Full Moon of the Sankranti Month

Pushya Pournami is the full-moon day of the Pushya month, the tenth month of the Telugu calendar, which usually falls around the time of Makara Sankranti. It is a sacred day for a holy bath, Satyanarayana vratham, worship of Lord Vishnu and the Goddess, and charity, especially of food and warm clothing.

Traditions Linked to This Pournami

Pushya is the month of the harvest and of the great Sankranti festival in Telugu homes. In many parts of India it is known as Shakambhari Pournami, the day the Goddess appeared as Shakambhari to nourish the world with vegetables and greens during a great famine, as told in the Devi Mahatmyam and Devi Bhagavatam. In North India, the holy Magha snanam season at the Prayag sangam begins from this Pournami. In Tamil tradition, the Thaipusam festival of Lord Murugan often falls on or near this full moon. For Telugu devotees, it is above all a Pournami of gratitude for the new harvest.

How to Observe Pushya Pournami

• Snanam: Wake early and bathe in a river or at home, remembering Ganga, Godavari and Krishna.
• Puja: Worship Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi or the Goddess as Shakambhari with flowers, fruits and fresh vegetables.
• Satyanarayana vratham: Many families perform the Satyanarayana Swamy puja and listen to the katha in the evening.
• Naivedyam: Offer pongali, paramannam made with new rice, or fruits.
• Chandra arghya: Those who fast offer arghya to the full moon and then break the fast.
• Danam: Donate rice, vegetables, blankets or warm clothes to those in need.

Fasting Guidelines

A Pournami fast can be observed according to one's health and family custom: some take only fruits and milk until moonrise, others eat a single satvik meal. Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic on the day if your family follows that practice. Elders, children and people with health concerns can simply do the puja without fasting.

Significance

The full moon represents fullness and peace of mind. Worship on Pushya Pournami is believed to bring abundance in food and wealth, harmony in the family and the grace of Lord Vishnu and the Divine Mother. Sharing the fruits of the harvest with others is the true spirit of the day.

May this Pushya Pournami fill your home with plenty and your heart with peace.