Purnima Amavaasya 2025:Date,Time ,Ritual and its Significance

The Sacred Lunar Cycle: Purnima, Amavasya, and Lunar Calendar 2025-2027

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
JanuarySundayJan 04Shukla Paksha
FebruaryMondayFeb 02Shukla Paksha
MarchWednesdayMar 04Shukla PakshaTotal Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) visible in India
AprilThursdayApr 02Shukla Paksha
MaySaturdayMay 02Shukla Paksha
MaySundayMay 31Shukla PakshaBlue Moon (Second Full Moon in May)
JuneMondayJun 29Shukla Paksha
JulyWednesdayJul 29Shukla Paksha
AugustFridayAug 28Shukla Paksha
SeptemberSaturdaySep 26Shukla Paksha
OctoberMondayOct 26Shukla Paksha
NovemberTuesdayNov 24Shukla Paksha
DecemberThursdayDec 24Shukla Paksha

Full Moon (Purnima) Dates - 2027 (IST)

Month Day Date Paksha Notes
JanuarySaturdayJan 23Shukla Paksha
FebruarySundayFeb 21Shukla Paksha
MarchTuesdayMar 23Shukla Paksha
AprilWednesdayApr 21Shukla Paksha
MayFridayMay 21Shukla Paksha
JuneSaturdayJun 19Shukla Paksha
JulyMondayJul 19Shukla Paksha
AugustTuesdayAug 17Shukla Paksha
SeptemberThursdaySep 16Shukla Paksha
OctoberSaturdayOct 16Shukla Paksha
NovemberSundayNov 14Shukla Paksha
DecemberTuesdayDec 14Shukla 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
JanuaryMondayJan 19Krishna Paksha
FebruaryWednesdayFeb 18Krishna Paksha
MarchFridayMar 20Krishna Paksha
AprilSaturdayApr 18Krishna Paksha
MayMondayMay 18Krishna Paksha
JuneWednesdayJun 17Krishna Paksha
JulyFridayJul 17Krishna Paksha
AugustSaturdayAug 15Krishna Paksha
SeptemberMondaySep 14Krishna Paksha
OctoberWednesdayOct 14Krishna Paksha
NovemberThursdayNov 12Krishna Paksha
DecemberSaturdayDec 12Krishna Paksha

New Moon (Amavasya) Dates - 2027 (IST)

Month Day Date Paksha Notes
JanuaryMondayJan 11Krishna Paksha
FebruaryTuesdayFeb 09Krishna Paksha
MarchThursdayMar 11Krishna Paksha
AprilSaturdayApr 10Krishna Paksha
MayMondayMay 10Krishna Paksha
JuneWednesdayJun 09Krishna Paksha
JulyFridayJul 09Krishna Paksha
AugustSaturdayAug 07Krishna Paksha
SeptemberMondaySep 06Krishna Paksha
OctoberWednesdayOct 06Krishna Paksha
NovemberThursdayNov 04Krishna Paksha
DecemberSaturdayDec 04Krishna 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).

Holi / Phalgun Purnima

This vibrant festival of colors marks the end of winter on the Phalgun Purnima. It's celebrated with Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil (the legend of Bhakt Prahlad). Regional variations include Dol Purnima (dedicated to Lord Krishna) and Kama Dahanam.

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.

Margashirsha Purnima

Falling on the full moon of Margashirsha, this Purnima is considered highly auspicious due to the favorable balance of elements and planetary influences. It is believed to bring prosperity and happiness into one's life.

**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.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lunar Phases

**Purnima** is the Sanskrit word for Full Moon. It's the day when the moon is fully illuminated, marking the end of a lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha). In Hinduism, Purnima holds immense spiritual significance as a time for purification, completion, and accessing heightened divine energy. Many important festivals, fasts (**Purnima Vrat**), and rituals are observed on this day.

**Amavasya** is the Sanskrit word for New Moon, when the moon is completely dark and not visible from Earth. Spiritually, it's considered a powerful time for new beginnings, setting intentions, and introspection. In Hindu traditions, Amavasya is also significant for performing rituals dedicated to ancestors (e.g., Pitru Paksha Amavasya being a key example).

Observing a **Purnima Vrat** is believed to bring blessings from Lord Vishnu, happiness, prosperity, and absolution from sins. Devotees believe it enhances mental and physical well-being, improves metabolism, reduces acidity, and helps control emotions and anger. It's a practice for spiritual purification and balance.

No, scientific evidence indicates that the moon's phases do not affect a baby's gender. A baby's sex is determined genetically by the combination of chromosomes from the mother and father at the moment of conception. Claims linking lunar phases to gender are based on folklore, not scientific fact.

**Satyanarayan Puja**, dedicated to Lord Vishnu's avatar, is considered highly auspicious when performed on Purnima. It is believed to maximize the results of one's efforts, bring happiness, prosperity, and absolve past sins. Many perform this puja on special life events like marriages, moving into a new home, or major achievements.

Astrologically and spiritually, the Full Moon is primarily a time for *completion, reflection, and release*. While emotions are heightened, it's generally advised to conclude ongoing projects or release old energies rather than initiating major new ventures. New Moon (**Amavasya**) is considered more favorable for fresh beginnings and setting new intentions.

In Vedic astrology, **Nakshatras** (lunar mansions) are specific constellations or divisions of the sky through which the Moon passes. Each Nakshatra carries unique energies and influences. The Nakshatra on a Purnima day further refines its spiritual and astrological significance, influencing the type of energy prevalent during that period and sometimes dictating specific rituals or festival observances.

Many people report feeling more energized, emotional, or experiencing disrupted sleep around a Full Moon. While scientific consensus on direct lunar influence on human behavior is mixed, the belief in heightened emotional states is strong in astrological and spiritual traditions. It's thought the Full Moon illuminates and intensifies our feelings, making it a powerful time for introspection and managing emotional responses.

The New Moon is ideal for setting intentions and planting seeds for the future. Common rituals include writing down new goals, meditating on desired outcomes, creating vision boards, decluttering your space to make way for new energy, and performing simple manifestation exercises to bring abundance into your life. The focus is on clarity and intention for the upcoming lunar cycle.

In astrology, "lucky" isn't an absolute term but rather a complex interplay of many planetary factors. However, being born on a Full Moon (**Purnima tithi**) is often considered auspicious for one's mentality and psychology. A strong, illuminated Moon in a birth chart can signify emotional balance, strong intuition, mental clarity, and good perceptiveness – qualities that provide a significant advantage in navigating life and achieving success. It’s one harmonious factor among many.

A 'Tithi' is a lunar day, defined by the time it takes for the longitudinal angle between the Sun and the Moon to increase by 12 degrees. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month. A 'Paksha' is a lunar fortnight, meaning half of a lunar month. The Shukla Paksha is the waxing phase (bright fortnight) from New Moon to Full Moon, and the Krishna Paksha is the waning phase (dark fortnight) from Full Moon to New Moon.

On Purnima, common rituals include observing a fast (Purnima Vrat), performing Satyanarayan Puja, meditating, chanting mantras (especially those related to the Moon or Vishnu), taking a holy dip in sacred rivers or bodies of water (Ganga Snan), and offering prayers and charity. It's a day for spiritual introspection and expressing gratitude.

Amavasya is primarily a day for ancestral worship (Pitru Puja/Shraddh) to seek blessings for departed souls. Other recommended practices include setting new intentions, planting seeds for future growth, cleansing and decluttering your home, meditating, and performing selfless service. Many also visit temples to offer prayers to deities like Lord Shiva or Goddess Kali.

Taking a holy bath (Snan), especially in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari, on Purnima or Amavasya is considered highly meritorious. It is believed to purify the body and soul, absolve sins, bring good fortune, and provide liberation (moksha). The spiritual energies are believed to be heightened, making these dips particularly potent for purification.

Yes, a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) can only occur on a Full Moon (Purnima) day. This is because a lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Moon and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Moon. This alignment is only possible when the Moon is in its full phase. Conversely, a solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) always occurs on an Amavasya (New Moon) day.

While Amavasya is a potent time for setting intentions, it is traditionally considered inauspicious for *initiating* major new ventures, particularly those requiring visible growth or outward prosperity. The dark moon symbolizes introspection and planning. Many prefer to start new projects during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha), from New Moon to Full Moon, for better manifestation and success.

Pitru Paksha Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is the most significant day during the Pitru Paksha fortnight. This is the new moon day when rituals (Shraddh) can be performed for all ancestors whose death dates might not be known or for whom rituals could not be performed earlier. It is believed to provide peace and liberation to the souls of departed ancestors.