Shravana
Purnima
2026

Shravana Purnima 2026 is the most sacred purnima of the year as it marks the celebration of the Raksha Bandhan festival. Shravana Purnima falls in the month of Shravana (July-August). On this day Upakarma (Janeu Sanskar), Narali Purnima, and Hayagriva Jayanti are also celebrated.

When in Shravana Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Shravana Purnima 2026: Friday, 28 August 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 09:08 AM on 27 August 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:48 AM on 28 August 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 07:21 PM on 28 August 2026

Best time to tie Rakhi: Before 07:20 AM on Aug 28 OR After Bhadra on Aug 27 (Evening)

Significance of Shravana Purnima

Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees use this opportunity to:

• Perform Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva
• Observe sacred fasts
• Perform acts of charity (daan)
• Take sacred baths in rivers or holy waters

Shravan Purnima is believed to amplify the spiritual merit (punya) of all rituals performed on this day.

Shravana Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Shravana 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 Shravana Purnima Vrat katha
• Worship Lord Shiva. Performing Rudra Abhishek is considered highly auspicious
• Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on this day
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Observe the Shravana 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

Shravana 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 Shravana Purnima

During Shravana 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 Shravana 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 Shravana 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.

Benefits of observing Shravana Purnima Fast

• Observing Shravana Purnima fast grants Lord Shiva's blessings
• Good Health
• Mental peace and relief from anxiety
• Wealth & Prosperity

Festivals celebrated on Shravana Purnima

Raksha Bandhan

On Shravana Purnima, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated. It is the celebration of sibling love. Sisters tie a Rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their longevity, while brothers pledge to protect them.

This beautiful festival is celebrated with joy, sweets, and gift exchanges across India and among Indian communities abroad.

Upakarma (Janeu Sanskar)

For Brahmin communities, particularly in South India and Maharashtra, Shravan Purnima is observed as Upakarma, also known as Avani Avittam. This sacred occasion is marked by:

• Replacing the sacred thread (Yajnopavita or Janeu) as part of a traditional renewal ritual
• Performing Vedic recitations, prayers, and acts of repentance for past omissions in religious duties
• Reaffirming commitment to the study and preservation of Vedic knowledge

The day is also regarded as the beginning of a new phase of learning for Brahmacharis, who renew their dedication to Vedic education and spiritual discipline.

Narali Purnima

Celebrated mainly in coastal Maharashtra, Narali Purnima is dedicated to Varuna, the sea god. Fishermen:

• Offer coconuts (nariyal) to the sea
• Pray for safety, prosperity, and good fishing
• Begin their sea voyages after the monsoon
• It symbolizes gratitude to nature and the beginning of a prosperous season.

Hayagriva Jayanti

For Vaishnava devotees and learners, Hayagriva Jayanti commemorates the divine appearance of Lord Hayagriva, the revered incarnation of Lord Vishnu associated with intelligence, learning, and wisdom. On this auspicious day, devotees:

• Offer prayers and traditional sweets to Lord Hayagriva
• Seek divine blessings for educational growth and academic excellence
• Recite sacred mantras such as “Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Aim Hayagrivaya Namaha”