Bhadrapada
Purnima

Bhadrapada Purnima falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). During this month festivals like Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Hartalika Teej, Ganeshotsav, Dol Gyaras, Rishi Panchami, and Anant Chaturdashi fasts are observed making this purnima highly auspicious.

This month is considered the month for Lord Ganesha as Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated during this period.

When in Bhadrapada Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Bhadrapada Purnima 2026: Saturday, 26 September 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 11:06 PM on 26 September 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 10:18 PM on 26 September 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 05:58 PM on 26 September 2026

Bhadrapada Purnima Significance

Bhardrapada Purnima 2026 holds it's own significance. Below reasons highlights the significance of Bhadrapada Purnima -

• Bhadrapada Purnima marks the end of the Ganesh Utsav
• it is also known as Purnima Shraddha, it is the formal beginning of the 16-day period of ancestors’ worship.
• Taking a holy dip in Ganga river or snan in Ganga jal at home frees the person from past sins

Bhadrapada Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Bhadrapada Purnima is celebrated differently in different regions. People observing Purnima vrat may follow customs such as:

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean clothes
• Read Bhadrapada Purnima Vrat katha
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Recite the Satyanarayan Katha.
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Observe the Bhadrapada Purnima Fast
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• In the evening, light up 5 to 10 diya and place them in different places, like in the puja room, near the main door, and beside the Tulsi plant.
• Being a Purnima, special prayers are offered to the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Devotees look at the moon and make offerings of water and rice grains for emotional balance and prosperity.
• Donate food and clothes to Brahmins and poor

Bhadrapada Purnima Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Purnima.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Purnima.

What not to eat on Bhadrapada Purnima

During Bhadrapada Purnima fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Purnima fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Purnima fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Purnima fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Bhadrapada Purnima Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Bhadrapada Purnima fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Regional Observances

• North India: Dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana worship. Often coincides with Radha Ashtami festivals in some traditions.
• Gujarat: Celebrated as the Amba Devi Utsav (Bhadarvi Poonam) with a massive fair at Ambaji temple.
• South India: Observed as Gowri Habba or related Purnima observances.

Benefits of observing Bhadrapada Purnima

• Ancestor Blessings: Performing Pitru Tarpan helps in releasing the Pitru Dosha
• Observing Vrat on Bhadrapada Purnima 2026 helps freeing one from the sins
• Mental peace and relief from anxiety
• Wealth & Prosperity