Purnima Amavaasya 2025:Date,Time ,Ritual and its Significance
The Sacred Lunar Cycle: Purnima, Amavasya, and Beyond
For millennia, humanity has looked to the moon for guidance, rhythm, and spiritual insight. In Hindu culture, the lunar cycle, particularly the Full Moon (**Purnima**) and New Moon (**Amavasya**), holds profound significance, dictating festivals, rituals, and personal practices.
From guiding farmers in ancient times to influencing emotions and spiritual endeavors today, the moon's phases offer a celestial blueprint for life. This guide delves into the meaning, dates, and beneficial practices associated with these powerful lunar milestones.
Harnessing the Power of Lunar Energy
Understanding the moon's phases allows us to align our personal energies with its cosmic rhythm, fostering balance, growth, and spiritual harmony.
Purnima (Full Moon): Reflection & Completion
**Purnima**, the Full Moon day, is when the Moon is fully illuminated, standing in direct opposition to the Sun. This celestial alignment often brings heightened emotions, clarity, and a powerful sense of culmination. It's an opportune time for:
- **Reflection:** Reviewing achievements and progress from the past cycle.
- **Release:** Letting go of old habits, emotional baggage, or anything that no longer serves your highest good.
- **Celebration:** Acknowledging and appreciating efforts and successes.
- **Spiritual Practices:** Engaging in fasting (Purnima Vrat), performing Pujas (like Satyanarayan Puja), and meditation to cleanse and rejuvenate.
(A powerful time to conclude cycles, not typically ideal for initiating major new projects.)
Amavasya (New Moon): New Beginnings & Intentions
**Amavasya**, the New Moon day, is when the Moon is almost invisible from Earth, aligning with the Sun. This period signifies darkness giving way to light, making it a potent time for introspection and setting the stage for new ventures. It is ideal for:
- **Intention Setting:** Planting seeds for future goals and aspirations.
- **Planning:** Strategizing for upcoming projects and endeavors.
- **Fresh Starts:** Initiating new habits, relationships, or chapters in life.
- **Ancestral Offerings:** In some traditions, Amavasya is significant for rituals dedicated to ancestors (e.g., Pitru Paksha Amavasya).
(The waxing phase (New Moon to Full Moon) is associated with manifesting and increasing activities.)
Your Comprehensive Lunar Calendar (2025-2027)
Below, find the precise dates for Purnima (**Full Moon**) and Amavasya (**New Moon**) in Indian Standard Time (IST), along with their unique Hindu calendar names and significant details. Remember that exact timings for Tithis and Nakshatras can vary slightly based on regional panchang calculations.
Full Moon (Purnima) Dates - 2025 (IST)
Hindu Month | Day | Date | Purnima Tithi Period (IST) | Nakshatra | Notes & Significance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paush Purnima | Tuesday | Jan 14 | Jan 13, 05:03 AM - Jan 14, 03:56 AM | Ardra | Fasting, worshipping Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi, performing charity for positivity. |
Magh Purnima | Wednesday | Feb 12 | Feb 11, 06:55 PM - Feb 12, 07:22 PM | Ashlesha | Extremely auspicious and sacred. Taking bath, donating, worshipping Lord Vishnu for virtue. Fruits of religious works multiplied. |
Phalgun Purnima | Friday | Mar 14 | Mar 13, 10:35 AM - Mar 14, 12:23 PM | Uttara Phalguni | Festival of Holi. Associated with Bhakt Prahlad and Holika Dahan (victory of good over evil). Puja, fasting, charity are auspicious. |
Chaitra Purnima | Saturday | Apr 12 | Apr 12, 03:21 AM - Apr 13, 05:51 AM | Hasta | First full moon fast of Hindu calendar. Celebrated as Lord Hanuman Jayanti. Worshipping Lord Vishnu & Maa Lakshmi brings happiness, prosperity, and peace. |
Vaishakh Purnima | Monday | May 12 | May 11, 08:01 PM - May 12, 10:25 PM | Swati | Also known as Buddha Purnima (Lord Buddha's birth anniversary). Bathing in Ganges, performing charity, and worshipping Lord Vishnu are especially fruitful. |
Jyeshtha Purnima | Wednesday | Jun 11 | Jun 10, 11:35 AM - Jun 11, 01:13 PM | Jyeshtha | Ganga Dussehra also celebrated (descent of river Ganga). Worshipping Lord Vishnu and performing rituals destroys sins and brings happiness & prosperity. |
Ashadh Purnima | Friday | Jul 11 | Jul 10, 01:36 PM - Jul 11, 02:06 AM | Poorvashada | Also known as Guru Purnima. Symbolises the guru-disciple tradition. Worshipping guru and receiving blessings is auspicious. Dedicated to spirituality, knowledge, and devotion. |
Shravan Purnima | Saturday | Aug 09 | Aug 08, 02:12 PM - Aug 09, 01:24 PM | Shravana | Festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrated. |
Bhadrapad Purnima | Sunday | Sep 07 | Sep 07, 01:41 PM - Sep 07, 11:38 PM | Shatabhisha | Special religious significance. Ideal for attaining spiritual peace and positivity. |
Sharad Purnima | Tuesday | Oct 07 | Oct 06, 12:23 PM - Oct 07, 09:16 AM | Revati | Devotees worship Lord Krishna & Goddess Lakshmi. Marks end of monsoon. Also Kojagari Purnima or Kaumudi celebration. |
Kartik Purnima | Wednesday | Nov 05 | Nov 04, 10:36 PM - Nov 05, 06:48 PM | Ashwini | Religiously important. Special for Deepdaan, bathing, and worship. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi are especially worshipped. Ganga bath & charity are of great importance. |
Margashirsha Purnima | Friday | Dec 05 | Dec 04, 08:37 AM - Dec 05, 04:43 AM | Krittika | The balance of elements and the influence of planets auspicious. Brings prosperity and happiness. |
Full Moon (Purnima) Dates - 2026 (IST)
Month | Day | Date | Paksha | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Sunday | Jan 04 | Shukla Paksha | |
February | Monday | Feb 02 | Shukla Paksha | |
March | Wednesday | Mar 04 | Shukla Paksha | Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) visible in India |
April | Thursday | Apr 02 | Shukla Paksha | |
May | Saturday | May 02 | Shukla Paksha | |
May | Sunday | May 31 | Shukla Paksha | Blue Moon (Second Full Moon in May) |
June | Monday | Jun 29 | Shukla Paksha | |
July | Wednesday | Jul 29 | Shukla Paksha | |
August | Friday | Aug 28 | Shukla Paksha | |
September | Saturday | Sep 26 | Shukla Paksha | |
October | Monday | Oct 26 | Shukla Paksha | |
November | Tuesday | Nov 24 | Shukla Paksha | |
December | Thursday | Dec 24 | Shukla Paksha |
Full Moon (Purnima) Dates - 2027 (IST)
Month | Day | Date | Paksha | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Saturday | Jan 23 | Shukla Paksha | |
February | Sunday | Feb 21 | Shukla Paksha | |
March | Tuesday | Mar 23 | Shukla Paksha | |
April | Wednesday | Apr 21 | Shukla Paksha | |
May | Friday | May 21 | Shukla Paksha | |
June | Saturday | Jun 19 | Shukla Paksha | |
July | Monday | Jul 19 | Shukla Paksha | |
August | Tuesday | Aug 17 | Shukla Paksha | |
September | Thursday | Sep 16 | Shukla Paksha | |
October | Saturday | Oct 16 | Shukla Paksha | |
November | Sunday | Nov 14 | Shukla Paksha | |
December | Tuesday | Dec 14 | Shukla Paksha |
New Moon (Amavasya) Dates - 2025 (IST)
Hindu Month | Day | Date | Amavasya Tithi Period (IST) | Nakshatra | Notes & Significance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paush Amavasya | Wednesday | Jan 29 | Jan 28, 08:34 PM - Jan 29, 06:17 PM | Uttara Ashadha | Also known as Mauni Amavasya, significant for silence (mauna vrat) and spiritual practices. |
Magh Amavasya | Friday | Feb 28 | Feb 27, 07:11 PM - Feb 28, 04:36 PM | Dhanishta | Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers for ancestors. Considered powerful for spiritual healing. |
Phalgun Amavasya | Saturday | Mar 29 | Mar 28, 05:43 PM - Mar 29, 02:40 PM | Purva Bhadrapada | A day for inner reflection and setting new intentions for the coming lunar cycle. |
Chaitra Amavasya | Monday | Apr 28 | Apr 27, 03:57 PM - Apr 28, 12:47 PM | Revati | Associated with fertility and growth; good for starting new projects. |
Vaishakh Amavasya | Wednesday | May 28 | May 27, 01:52 PM - May 28, 10:50 AM | Bharani | Also known as Shani Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Lord Shani. Favorable for remedies related to Saturn. |
Jyeshtha Amavasya | Thursday | Jun 26 | Jun 26, 11:47 AM - Jun 27, 08:52 AM | Mrigashira | Vat Savitri Vrat is observed by married women in some regions for husband's longevity. |
Ashadh Amavasya | Saturday | Jul 26 | Jul 25, 09:34 AM - Jul 26, 06:50 AM | Pushya | Known as Hariyali Amavasya, celebrating greenery and nature. People plant trees. |
Shravan Amavasya | Sunday | Aug 24 | Aug 23, 07:22 AM - Aug 24, 05:01 AM | Magha | Also known as Shravani Amavasya, it marks the end of the sacred Shravan month. |
Bhadrapad Amavasya | Tuesday | Sep 23 | Sep 22, 05:07 AM - Sep 23, 03:00 AM | Uttara Phalguni | Pitru Paksha Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya): Most important day for performing Shraddh rituals for all ancestors. |
Ashwin Amavasya | Thursday | Oct 23 | Oct 22, 02:51 AM - Oct 23, 12:47 AM | Swati | Known as Mahalaya Amavasya. Marks the beginning of Durga Puja/Navratri. Also a key day for Pitru Paksha. |
Kartik Amavasya | Friday | Nov 21 | Nov 20, 12:35 AM - Nov 20, 10:48 PM | Anuradha | Festival of **Diwali**. Celebration of light over darkness, good over evil. Lakshmi Puja is performed. |
Margashirsha Amavasya | Sunday | Dec 21 | Dec 20, 10:20 PM - Dec 21, 09:12 PM | Moola | A day for introspection and spiritual cleansing before the winter solstice. |
New Moon (Amavasya) Dates - 2026 (IST)
Month | Day | Date | Paksha | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Monday | Jan 19 | Krishna Paksha | |
February | Wednesday | Feb 18 | Krishna Paksha | |
March | Friday | Mar 20 | Krishna Paksha | |
April | Saturday | Apr 18 | Krishna Paksha | |
May | Monday | May 18 | Krishna Paksha | |
June | Wednesday | Jun 17 | Krishna Paksha | |
July | Friday | Jul 17 | Krishna Paksha | |
August | Saturday | Aug 15 | Krishna Paksha | |
September | Monday | Sep 14 | Krishna Paksha | |
October | Wednesday | Oct 14 | Krishna Paksha | |
November | Thursday | Nov 12 | Krishna Paksha | |
December | Saturday | Dec 12 | Krishna Paksha |
New Moon (Amavasya) Dates - 2027 (IST)
Month | Day | Date | Paksha | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Monday | Jan 11 | Krishna Paksha | |
February | Tuesday | Feb 09 | Krishna Paksha | |
March | Thursday | Mar 11 | Krishna Paksha | |
April | Saturday | Apr 10 | Krishna Paksha | |
May | Monday | May 10 | Krishna Paksha | |
June | Wednesday | Jun 09 | Krishna Paksha | |
July | Friday | Jul 09 | Krishna Paksha | |
August | Saturday | Aug 07 | Krishna Paksha | |
September | Monday | Sep 06 | Krishna Paksha | |
October | Wednesday | Oct 06 | Krishna Paksha | |
November | Thursday | Nov 04 | Krishna Paksha | |
December | Saturday | Dec 04 | Krishna Paksha |
Key Purnima Festivals & Their Significance
Beyond their astrological meaning, each **Purnima** carries a unique spiritual resonance, often marking important Hindu festivals and rituals throughout the year:
Kartik Purnima
Celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika, this day is highly significant for devotees of both Lord Shiva (as Tripura Purnima or Tripurari Purnima) and Lord Vishnu (as Deva Diwali). Deepdaan (lighting lamps) and Ganga Snan (holy dips in Ganga) are considered highly auspicious.
Guru Purnima
Observed on the full moon of Ashadha, this day is dedicated to honoring one's spiritual and academic Gurus. It also marks the birth anniversary of the revered sage Veda Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata. Buddhists also observe this day in honor of Gautama Buddha's first sermon.
Sharad Purnima / Kojagiri Purnima
The autumn harvest festival, celebrated on the full moon of Ashvina. It's believed that the moon's rays on this night spread 'Amrit' (elixir of life). Devotees worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi, often preparing and consuming rice kheer left under moonlight for blessings and health benefits.
Buddha Purnima / Vaishakh Purnima
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Falling on the Vaishakh Purnima, it's a day for spiritual reflection, meditation, and charity across Buddhist communities globally (known as Vesak in many regions).
Hanuman Jayanti / Chaitra Purnima
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the Vanara God, typically on the Chaitra Purnima. Devotees wake early, perform puja, recite Hanuman Chalisa, and offer sweets and flowers to seek blessings for strength, protection, and removal of obstacles.
Shravan Purnima / Raksha Bandhan
The full moon day of the Shravana month is synonymous with Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a 'rakhi' (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection. Other observances include Hayagriva Jayanti and Gayatri Jayanti.
Vat Purnima / Jyeshtha Purnima
Observed on the full moon of Jyeshtha, women pray for the longevity and well-being of their husbands by tying threads around a banyan tree (Vat). This honors the legend of Savitri, who famously persuaded Yama (the god of death) to restore her husband Satyavan's life.
Magh Purnima
Considered extremely auspicious, bathing in holy rivers, performing charity, and worshipping Lord Vishnu on Magh Purnima are believed to multiply virtues manifold. It often coincides with significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Shakambhari Purnima / Paush Purnima
Celebrated on the full moon of Pausha, this day marks the descent of Goddess Shakambhari, a compassionate form of Devi, who nourished the earth with vegetation during a severe famine. Fasting, worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and charity are recommended.
**Satyanarayan Puja Vrat:** It is considered highly auspicious to observe the Satyanarayan Puja Vrat on all Purnima (**Full Moon**) days. This puja, dedicated to Lord Vishnu's avatar, is believed to absolve past sins, bring happiness, prosperity, and maximize the results of one's efforts.