Purnima January 2026 date, Timings

Purnima in January 2026 is Poush Purnima (Full Moon in Poush month) in Hindu calendar. Purnima January 2026 date is – January 3.

Poush Purnima is also known as Shakambari Purnima or Shakambari Jayanti. Magh Snan begins on Poush Pournima day in North India. Pushyabhishek Yatra is one of the popular rituals performed on this Purnima in Sri Krishna temples all around the world (ISKCON temples).

Purnima January 2026 Timings – 3 January

Purnima begins at 6.54 PM on 2 January and ends at 3.22 PM on 3 January.

Purnima in January 2026 is also celebrated as Margazhi Pournami in Tamil calendars, Dhanu Maasa Veluthu Vavu in Malayalam calendars, Poush Purnima in Bengali Panjika and Paush Purnima in Nepali calendars.

On this day, Poush Navratri or Shakambari Navratri culminates in Shakambari temples all around India. Banashankari Navratri festival is held at Badami Banashankari Temple in Karnataka from Banadashtami to Pousha Purnima.

Poush Purnima marks the end of Poush month in North India and on the next day Magh month starts. It also marks the beginning of Magh Mela in Allahabad Prayag Sangam. Magh Mela ends on Mahashivaratri festival.

Key Rituals

Devotees wake early for a holy bath in sacred rivers like the Ganga if possible, or add Ganga jal at home, followed by offering Arghya to Surya and Chandra. Perform puja to Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi with offerings of tulsi, flowers, fruits, and sweets, often including Vishnu Sahasranama recitation.​

Fasting and Vrat

Observe a fast (upvas) from sunrise, avoiding grains; break it after moonrise with fruits or sattvic food. Recite Satyanarayan Katha in the evening for family harmony and prosperity.​

Charity and Special Observances

Donate sesame seeds, jaggery, clothes, food, or blankets to Brahmins or the needy; light ghee lamps at Tulsi plants. Worship Goddess Shakambari with green vegetables, and consider Rudrabhishek or Pitru rituals for ancestors.