Purnima Vrat

Importance Of Purnima

Poornima or Full Moon is considered of great importance as per the Hindu calendar. Several Hindu festivals are aligned with this auspicious celestial occurrence. This day is believed to bring brightness by eliminating darkness. On this day, special rituals like Satyanarayan Pooja should be done.

Festivals Celebrated on Purnima

1. Paush Purnima
   Paush Purnima falls in December or January and is considered very auspicious as per the Hindu culture. Hindu devotees believe one should take a dip in the holy waters of Prayag Sangam on this day. The reason behind this ritual is that it helps them in attaining moksha or salvation by absolving them of any sin they have committed in their life consciously or unconsciously.
2. Magha Purnima
   The Full Moon in the month of Magh is widely known as Magha Purnima or Maghi Purnima. The widely popular Kumbh Mela takes place on this occasion once every twelve years.
3. Holi
   The Last Full Moon day in the month of Phalguna is celebrated as Holi. The festival of colors represents the arrival of the season of spring.
4. Hanuman Jayanti
   The Full Moon in the month of Chaitra is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. It is believed that the Vanar God or Lord Hanuman was born on this auspicious day.
5. Buddha Purnima
   The Full Moon in Vaishakha is celebrated as Buddha Purnima. It is considered the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha and is widely celebrated in many Asian countries including India and Nepal.
6. Vat Purnima
   Vat Purnima is celebrated in the month of Jyeshtha. On this occasion, the married women observe fast or vrat to pray for the long life of their husbands and happy married life.
7. Ashadha Purnima
   Purnima in the month of Ashada is devoted to Gurus. This occasion is also famous for the holy Rath Yatra which takes place every year on this day.
8. Raksha Bandhan
   The Full Moon day in the month of Shravan is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi or a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of taking the promise of protection. This Rakhi also symbolizes the love and affection between siblings.
9. Madhu Purnima
   Madhu Purnima or Honey Full-Moon Day is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada. This festival is widely popular in Bangladesh and Thailand.

Purnima Puja & Vrat Rituals

• Get up early in the morning and take a bath before sunrise.
• On this day, worship Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu.
• Fast for the entire day and don't eat anything.
• Fasting should begin with the sunrise and stop with the sighting of the Full Moon.