Pournami Dates 2026

Pournami is the last day of Shukla Paksha each month, the tithi when the Moon shines in its full form. It is a very auspicious day for worship, the Satyanarayana Vratam, holy bathing and charity, and many major Telugu festivals fall on a Pournami.

Why Pournami Is Special

Also called Purnima or Punnami, this is the day the Moon stands opposite the Sun and glows completely. Since the Moon is the lord of the mind, elders say japa and meditation on Pournami bring mental calm. Each lunar month is named after the nakshatra the Moon occupies on its Pournami: Chaitra from Chitta, Vaishakha from Vishakha, Kartika from Krittika and so on.

Famous Pournamis

• Guru Pournami (Ashadha): Birth anniversary of Sage Vyasa, a day to honour one's gurus.
• Shravana Pournami: Rakhi and Jandhyala Pournami, when the sacred thread is renewed.
• Kartika Pournami: Jwala Thoranam at Shiva temples, floating lamps in rivers and Kartika deeparadhana.
• Vaishakha Pournami: Also known as Buddha Pournami.
• Magha Pournami: A special day for sea and river baths.

What to Do on Pournami

• Take an early bath in a river or at home and light the lamp.
• Many Telugu families perform the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam on Pournami; the Annavaram Satyadeva temple sees especially large numbers of vratams on this day.
• Recite Lalitha Sahasranamam or Vishnu Sahasranamam; some homes perform kumkumarchana to the Goddess.
• After moonrise, bow to the Moon and offer milk or payasam.
• Donate food or clothes as per your means.

Fasting and Observances

Some people fast during the day and eat after the evening puja and Chandra darshan. It is not compulsory, and milk and fruit can be taken depending on health. Singing bhajans together as a family or visiting a temple in the full-moon light is a lovely tradition.

May your life always be calm and bright like the full-moon night.