Purnima, the Sanskrit word for full moon, holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism. It falls on the 15th tithi (lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the Hindu lunar calendar. Purnima signifies the moon’s complete illumination, marking a time for fasting, worship, and various religious observances. Each Purnima throughout the year carries its own unique significance, associated with specific festivals and rituals. The conclusion of the Purnima tithi initiates the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) and marks the beginning of a new lunar month in the purnimanta system of the Hindu calendar.
The March Purnima is known as Phalguna Purnima, coinciding with the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. It signifies the end of Holashtak, an eight-day period considered inauspicious, and ushers in the two-day Holi festival. Holika Dahan, the symbolic burning of evil, is observed on the eve of Holi, which falls on Phalguna Purnima.
Purnima is an auspicious day for Hindus, dedicated to spiritual practices. The next Purnima in March 2025 falls on Friday, March 14th.
The specific timing of the Purnima tithi in March 2025 is from 10:36 AM on March 13th to 12:24 PM on March 14th. This precise timing is crucial for observing religious rituals and fasts associated with Purnima.
Numerous festivals and vrats (religious vows) are connected to Purnima. Purnima vrat, Uma Maheshwar vrat, Satyanarayan Puja, Guru Purnima (celebrating teachers and spiritual guides), Vat Purnima (observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands), Kartik Purnima (commemorating various significant events in Hindu mythology), Holi (festival of colors), Hanuman Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman), Dattatreya Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya), Raksha Bandhan (celebrating the bond between siblings), and Buddha Purnima (birth anniversary of Lord Buddha) are among the important observances linked to different Purnimas throughout the year. These festivals highlight the profound cultural and spiritual significance of the full moon in Hinduism. The Purnima tithi is considered highly auspicious for performing special worship, fasting, and engaging in other spiritual activities.
Purnima is revered in Hinduism and holds a special place in the lunar calendar. It is considered a highly auspicious time for worship and observing religious vows, reflecting the importance of the lunar cycle in Hindu traditions.
Typically, there are twelve full moons in a year. However, in some years, a thirteenth full moon, known as a blue moon, occurs when two full moons fall within a single calendar month. In the past decade, blue moons occurred in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2018.
A comprehensive list of all Purnima dates in 2025, including their corresponding tithi timings, is provided for reference. This allows individuals to plan their religious observances and participate in the various festivals associated with each Purnima.
