The full-moon day, auspicious for worship; special prayers are held at temples on every Pournami.
Pournami is the full-moon day, the 15th tithi of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha), occurring once every lunar month. Temples hold special pujas, and it is the traditional day for the Satyanarayana Vrat, a worship of Lord Vishnu that families often observe at home.
Each full moon of the year has its own name and significance. Aadi Pournami (Guru Purnima) honours teachers and spiritual guides; Sharad Purnima in Aippasi is celebrated with families preparing milk-rice under the moonlight. Thai Pournami coincides with the Thaipusam festival.
Charity, fasting, and bathing at sacred rivers on Pournami are believed to carry great merit. Vishnu and Shiva temples perform special abhishekam (ritual anointing) ceremonies, and the full moon is considered auspicious for beginning certain vratas (vows).
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Frequently asked questions
What is Pournami?
Pournami is the full-moon day, when the Moon is at its brightest. It occurs once a month and is auspicious for worship at temples and at home.
How many Pournami days are there in a year?
There are 12 or 13 Pournami days per year, one per lunar month. All dates are listed on the year overview page.
Why is the full moon sacred in Tamil tradition?
The full moon represents completeness, light and spiritual strength. Many auspicious days, Guru Purnima, Karthigai, fall on the full moon. Prayers on Pournami are said to be especially effective.