Chaitra Purnima 2026 Date: April 1 or 2? Check correct date, tithi, significance, and more

Chaitra Purnima, the first full moon of the Hindu lunar year, holds deep spiritual importance. It comes right after festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi and signifies a period of spiritual renewal, along with celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman.

Purnima Tithi

The Purnima tithi begins at 07:06 AM on April 1, 2026, and concludes at 07:41 AM on April 2, 2026. Since the full moon phase is active on April 1, most devotees observe fasting and rituals on this day, though some calendars also mention April 2 due to the continuation of the tithi.

Spiritual Significance of Chaitra Purnima

Chaitra Purnima is considered the first full moon of the Vedic New Year and is regarded as highly auspicious. It coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, who symbolizes strength, devotion, and loyalty.


On this day, devotees also worship Lord Satyanarayana, a form of Lord Vishnu, to seek blessings for prosperity and truth

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga or Yamuna. If staying at home, adding a few drops of Gangajal to bathing water is considered auspicious. A sankalpa (vow) is taken to observe the fast with sincerity for the well-being of the family.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove obstacles. This is followed by the Shodashopachara puja (16-step ritual) dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Many households also perform the Satyanarayana vrat katha later in the day.

The fast is usually broken only after sighting the moon. In the evening, devotees offer arghya (water) to Lord Chandra and pray for peace of mind and emotional balance. Fasting practices may vary from strict to partial depending on family traditions.

Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations

Temples are beautifully decorated on this day, and devotees gather in large numbers to offer sindoor (vermilion) and jasmine oil to Lord Hanuman. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand is considered highly powerful and spiritually rewarding on his birth anniversary.

Importance of Charity

Charity holds special significance on Chaitra Purnima. Offering food, clothes, grains, sesame seeds, ghee, or daily essentials to the needy is believed to bring spiritual merit. Acts of charity are seen as a way to complement fasting and prayers, promoting compassion and generosity.