Chaitra Purnima 2026: Key Dates and Rituals Explained

Chaitra Purnima in 2026 is set to take place over two days, April 1st and 2nd, with specific rituals for fasting, bathing, and donations. This article explores the significance of these dates, auspicious timings for rituals, and the best practices for observing this important festival. Learn when to perform your rituals based on the lunar calendar and ensure your observances align with traditional guidelines.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 10:14 IST

Understanding Chaitra Purnima 2026

When is Chaitra Purnima in 2026? This Full Moon Tithi, occurring during the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase) of Chaitra, is significant for fasting, ritual bathing, and charitable acts. This year, the Tithi spans two days: April 1st and April 2nd. This raises the question of which day is best for fasting and performing rituals. Consulting the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac) is crucial in such cases. Ritual bathing and donations are typically conducted on the day when the Purnima Tithi aligns with sunrise, while fasting is observed when it coincides with moonrise. Let’s delve deeper into this.

**Chaitra Purnima Tithi Timings**

As per the *Drik Panchang*, Chaitra Purnima will begin on Wednesday, April 1st, at 7:06 AM and will last until Thursday, April 2nd, at 7:41 AM.

**Ritual Bathing and Donations: Sunrise Considerations**

On April 1st, the Purnima Tithi starts after sunrise (6:11 AM), while on April 2nd, it will be present at sunrise (6:10 AM). Therefore, following the *Udayatithi* principle, it is more auspicious to perform ritual bathing and donations on April 2nd.

**Fasting Date: Moonrise Considerations**

On April 1st, moonrise is at 6:11 PM while the Purnima Tithi is still active. However, on April 2nd, moonrise occurs at 7:07 PM, transitioning to *Pratipada* (the first day of the waning phase). Thus, it is advisable to observe the Chaitra Purnima fast on April 1st.

**Auspicious Timings (Muhurat) and Worship Schedule**

On April 2nd, the *Brahma Muhurat* will be from 4:38 AM to 5:24 AM, which is ideal for ritual bathing. The *Abhijit Muhurat* will take place from 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM.

On April 1st, the best time for worshipping Lord Satyanarayan is between 6:11 AM and 9:18 AM. In the evening, after sunset (6:39 PM), Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during the *Pradosh Kaal* (twilight period), followed by an *Arghya* (ritual water offering) to the Moon later that night.

Confluence of Auspicious Yogas

On April 1st, several auspicious yogas (planetary alignments) will be in effect. Ravi Yoga will be present from 6:11 AM to 4:17 PM. Following this, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga will begin and last until 6:10 AM the next day. Additionally, Vriddhi Yoga will be active until 2:51 PM, after which Dhruva Yoga will take over.