Purnima 2024

Purnima 2024 - The Full Moon Day

A Full Moon day indicates Purnima meaning in the Hindu calendar. It is an important event in Hinduism when people perform pooja or keep fast. Some of these Purnima dates or tithis also mark highly regarded Hindu festivals. During this time, the Moon is completely visible, shining bright in a full circle.

List of Purnima Dates 2024

Like every year, there are Purnima Dates 2024 to watch out for. For example, if you wish to know when is Purnima in August or Pournami in December, you can find it here easily. Here’s a list of Upcoming Purnima Tithis month-wise.

Purnima In January 2024

Purnima In February 2024

Purnima in March 2024

Purnima in April 2024

Purnima in May 2024

Purnima in June 2024

Purnima in July 2024

Purnima in August 2024

Purnima in September 2024

Purnima in October 2024

Purnima in November 2024

Purnima in December 2024

Stories Related To Purnima

As we go through each upcoming Purnima date in 2024, it is also important to have a look into what stories in history are related to Purnima. These stories form the basis of why Purnima is so sacred to people.

Legend of Lord Budha’s Birth

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama - who later became Gautama Buddha - was born on a full moon day or Purnima in May. It is believed that Siddhartha emerged from his mother's right side without causing her any pain. As soon as he was born, the infant took seven steps, declaring his final birth on Earth.

Legend of Guru Purnima

According to Hindu tradition, it was on a full moon day that the great sage Vyasa was born. Vyasa divided the Vedas for the first time, making them accessible to common people. This day is celebrated as Guru Purnima in honour of Vyasa, who is seen as the first guru. On this day, disciples offer puja or pay respect to their gurus.

Mythology of Lord Vishnu's Matsya Avatar

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu appeared as a fish to save the first man, Manu, from a great flood that occurred on a Purnima or full moon day. The fish guided Manu's boat to safety. Once the flood reduced, Manu released the animals and plants and repopulated the earth.

Mythology of Holi

According to legend, the demon king Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar. Hiranyakashipu's son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, so he wished to get his son killed. On a Purnima, his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, sat on a bonfire with Prahlada. But with Vishnu's grace, Prahlada survived while Holika was burnt to ashes.

Some Major Festivals Celebrated In Purnima

Like every year, we will be celebrating different Hindu festivals in Purnima 2024 as well. Some of the major festivals to look forward to this year are as follows:

• Holi: Holi is one of the most famous Hindu festivals. It is a festival where people throw colours at each other, celebrating the victory of good over evil. It falls on the Full Moon day of Phalguna month (February/March).
• Buddha Purnima: Budha Purnima festival is celebrated to recall the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautam Buddha. It falls on the Full Moon day of the Vaishakha month (April/May).
• Guru Purnima: Guru Purnima is celebrated to honour spiritual gurus and teachers. On this day, people offer prayers and take blessings from their teachers while keeping fast. It falls on Full Moon Ashadha (June/July).
• Raksha Bandhan: This festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Here, the sister ties a holy thread called ‘Rakhi’ on the brother’s wrist. It falls on the Full Moon day of the Shravana (Poornima in August/September).
• Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima is another important next Poonam date as it marks the night when Lord Krishna performed Raslila with Gopis of Braj. This falls on the Full Moon day of Ashwin (Poornima in September/ October) and has healing powers.
• Kartik Purnima: This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, people keep fast and pray to God’s idol, who is believed to appear on Earth. It falls on Full Moon Kartik (October/November).

Purnima Puja 2024: Vidhi/ Ritual And Benefits

Purnima Puja is a way to connect to God and seek their blessings to lessen hardships and avoid negative energies. Have an idea about its ritual and benefits for today pournami and upcoming.

Purnima Puja Vidhi/ Ritual

The Purnima Puja ritual, or Vidhi, typically begins in the evening when the full moon has risen. Begin by cleansing the puja area in your home and setting up the items on a plate or tray.

1. Light the incense and lamps to purify the space.
2. Offer the flowers by circling them around the lamps and incense.
3. Offer the fruit, sweets and any other food items you have brought.
4. Chant mantras and prayers to worship the full moon. Common chants include Om Chandraya Namah, meaning 'salutations to the moon,' and the Gayatri Mantra.
5. You may meditate facing the moon to imbibe its rejuvenating energies.

Purnima Puja Benefits

Performing Purnima Puja, especially on full moon days, is thought to provide many benefits.

• The moon's energies are strongest during the full moon, so pujas and meditating at this time are believed to be most effective.
• The moon is associated with peace, calmness and tranquillity. Purnima Puja can help bring these qualities into your life.
• The moon governs the mind and emotions. Purnima Puja is thought to help balance the mind and stabilise emotions.
• The moon is linked to fertility and growth. Purnima Puja may bring prosperity and new opportunities.
• Sins and impurities are believed to be washed away by bathing in the moonlight or by offering prayers to the moon. Purnima Puja can help purify the soul.

Significance of Purnima

Purnima is an important day in the Hindu calendar, both culturally and astrologically. By understanding its significance, you can plan important life events and spiritual practices around these auspicious full moon days.

Cultural Significance

Purnima holds cultural and religious significance in Hinduism. On Purnima days, Hindus observe fasts, take holy dips in rivers, and worship the moon. It is considered an auspicious day to perform Satyanarayana puja, where devotees worship Lord Vishnu to gain prosperity and peace. People also do “Annadanam” by offering free food to the needy, looking at the date and Pournami timing carefully.

Astrological Significance

In Vedic astrology, the moon is believed to influence our minds and emotions. On Purnima, the moon is fully illuminated, symbolising completeness and fullness. Astrologers believe this is an ideal time to strengthen the moon in your horoscope by worshipping the moon or chanting moon mantras.

Purnima days are also ideal for new beginnings as per Vedic astrology. Activities like moving into a new home or starting a new business or relationship are best initiated on Purnima. The full moon represents satisfaction, and its glowing energy is thought to bless new ventures with success and prosperity.