Paush Purnima 2026: Date, Timings, Puja Vidhi & Significance

Purnima or the full moon is a day of supreme importance in Hinduism. Hindu calendars commemorate the sacred occasion of Purnima every month. It has been believed that taking holy baths, engaging in religious ceremonies and observing fasts on this day can gift us great outcomes.

We all know that the blessed full Moon that arrives in the Poush month is considered as Poush Purnima. Additionally, this day marks the first Purnima of the new year 2026. This is a day for us to worship Bhagwan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, along with paying homage to Moon God, so as to purify our hearts. In this article, we will learn about the significance of Paush Purnima, auspicious timings, puja Vidhi and all the other important details. Keep reading.

Hindu calendars show us that Paush Purnima is honoured on the full moon day of Paush month. On this day, we will be able to see the Moon God shining bright with so much beauty. This great effulgence will surround the whole atmosphere with spiritual purity. In fact, religious texts point out that the fruits of penance, prayers, good deeds, pujas and meditation on this day are multiplied manifold.

This new year, the divine functions of Paush Purnima should be carried out on January 3, 2026 (Saturday).

Purnima Tithi begins at 6:53 PM (January 2, 2026)

Purnima Tithi Ends at 3:32 PM (January 3, 2026)

Those of us who are observing fast on this auspicious day must wake up in the Brahma Muhurta or early morning time. After filling your hearts with Godly thoughts and gratitude, take a holy bath. It is highly recommended to bath in a holy river such as Ganges, Narmada or Yamuna. If you are living far from these rivers, try to mix Ganges water with the water that you will be using for bath at home. Spiritual leaders say that bathing in these holy waters on this special occasion has the power to annihilate the sins of numerous lifetimes, thereby ensuring spiritual progress.

After the bath, wear a fresh or new attire. Then, start with puja of Bhagwan Vishnu. Chanting vishnu Sahasranama (Stotra containing 1000 names of Lord Vishnu) is also highly recommended. Offering puja along with the recital of this stotra will provide numerous benefits and blessings of the Lord. During Vishnu puja, you can offer turmeric, yellow fruits, akshat or rice grains and barley to Bhagwan. Subsequently, pray to Goddess Lakshmi by offering adornments, red flowers and a scarf. Moreover, it has been reported that chanting “Om Somaya Namah” mantra for Lord Chandra after sighting the Moon on Poush Purnima night can bring great prosperity in our lives.

Donate rice or engage in charity activities on this day. Kindness is one of the favourite values of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi.

Serve milk arghya to Moon. This activity will result in the blessings of Moon God in the form of material and spiritual growth, happiness and relationship success.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama & offer Puja to Bhagwan Vishnu.

It is believed that Kheer is one of the favourite food items of Lord Chandra. Therefore, prepare it and offer it to the Lord on this auspicious day.

Take holy bath. Pray and meditate.

Maintain a sattvic life. Avoid lies and negativities entirely and cut-off friendships with people who have a negative mindset.

Paush Purnima is the first Purnima of 2026. This is one of the best opportunities for us to begin new year with positivity and spiritual growth. Start preparing for this sacred day from now onwards. If possible, arrange Ganges water for holy bath. Try to lead a sattvic life from today onwards so that your heart will be clear and pure to perform Puja on the auspicious festival of Paush Purnima 2026.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Which Purnima is most powerful?
   Kartika Purnima and Sharad Purnima are considered as two of the most powerful Purnimas in Hinduism.
2. What should we avoid on Purnima?
   During Purnima avoid eating thamasik food items like meat, onion and garlic, avoid negativities and bad companies, alcohol and so forth. Focus on charity, spiritual growth, meditation, puja and prayers.
3. Which god is worshipped on Paush Purnima?
   Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi are worshipped on Paush Purnima.