Chaitra Purnima 2026: Date and Muhurat — Chaitra Purnima falls on the full moon (Purnima) Tithi of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of Chaitra. It is on this specific day that the Chaitra Purnima fast (*Vrat*), ritual bathing, and acts of charity (*Daan*) are observed. However, this year, the Chaitra Purnima Tithi spans across two days: April 1st and April 2nd. Consequently, the question arises: When exactly should the Chaitra Purnima fast be observed? And when should the ritual bathing and acts of charity take place? To resolve this, one must consult the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac).

According to the *Panchang*, the ritual bathing and charity associated with Chaitra Purnima are to be performed on the day when the sunrise occurs during the Chaitra Purnima Tithi; similarly, the Chaitra Purnima fast is to be observed on the day when the moonrise occurs during the Chaitra Purnima Tithi.
What is the duration of the Chaitra Purnima Tithi?

According to the *Panchang*, the Chaitra Purnima Tithi begins on Wednesday, April 1st, at 7:06 AM. This Tithi concludes on Thursday, April 2nd, at 7:41 AM.

Sunrise Timings during Chaitra Purnima Tithi
On April 1st, the sunrise during the Chaitra Purnima Tithi occurs after 6:11 AM. On April 2nd, the Chaitra Purnima Tithi remains active at the time of sunrise, which occurs at 6:10 AM.

Chaitra Purnima 2026: Date for Bathing and Charity

Based on the principle of *Udayatithi* (the Tithi prevailing at sunrise), the ritual bathing and acts of charity for Chaitra Purnima are to be performed on Thursday, April 2nd. Thus, Chaitra Purnima falls on April 2nd.

Moonrise Timings during Chaitra Purnima Tithi

During the Chaitra Purnima Tithi, the moonrise occurs on April 1st at 6:11 PM. On April 2nd, the moonrise occurs at 7:07 PM, which falls within the *Pratipada* (first day) of the month of *Vaishakh*.

Chaitra Purnima Fast 2026: Date
Since the moonrise during the Chaitra Purnima Tithi occurs on April 1st, it is appropriate to observe the Chaitra Purnima fast on April 1st. During this fast, devotees worship the moon on the full moon (Purnima) day and offer *Arghya* (ritual water offering).

Chaitra Purnima 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)
On April 2nd, the day of Chaitra Purnima, the *Brahma Muhurat* (pre-dawn auspicious period) extends from 04:38 AM to 05:24 AM. This is considered the most excellent time for taking a ritual bath. If you are unable to bathe during this specific window, you may do so after sunrise. The auspicious time (*Shubh Muhurat*) for that day—specifically the *Abhijit Muhurat*—falls between 12:00 PM and 12:50 PM.

On April 1st, as part of the Chaitra Purnima observance, devotees worship Lord Satyanarayan in the morning. The auspicious window for this worship on that day is from 06:11 AM to 09:18 AM. During the *Pradosh Kaal*—the twilight period following sunset at 06:39 PM—Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Subsequently, during the night, rituals involving the worship of the moon and the offering of *Arghya* are performed.

Chaitra Purnima Fast Amidst 4 Auspicious *Yogas*
The Chaitra Purnima fast on April 1st coincides with the presence of four auspicious *Yogas* (planetary alignments). On this day, *Ravi Yoga* prevails from 06:11 AM to 04:17 PM, while *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* extends from 04:17 PM on April 1st until 06:10 AM on April 2nd. *Vriddhi Yoga* is active from early morning until 02:51 PM, after which *Dhruva Yoga* commences.

Significance of Chaitra Purnima
Observing a fast and performing worship on the day of Chaitra Purnima brings happiness and peace to the family.
Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Chaitra Purnima helps alleviate poverty and resolve financial crises. It also leads to an increase in wealth and assets.

Worshipping the moon and offering *Arghya* during the night strengthens one's willpower and mental fortitude. It also helps mitigate *Chandra Dosha* (afflictions related to the Moon) present in one's astrological birth chart.

Taking a holy bath and performing acts of charity (*Daan*) on Chaitra Purnima helps absolve sins and accrue spiritual merit (*Punya*).
After taking the ritual bath on Chaitra Purnima, one should perform *Tarpan* (ancestral rites), charity, and other rituals dedicated to one's ancestors (*Pitrs*). Doing so invokes the blessings of the ancestors.

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