Pournami is the full moon day in the Tamil calendar and is considered one of the most auspicious lunar days in Hindu tradition. It occurs when the moon is completely visible and marks the peak of the lunar cycle. According to the Tamil Panchangam, Pournami is highly favourable for spiritual practices, divine worship, and mental clarity.
Devotees across Tamil Nadu and India observe Pournami every month to:
- Perform special poojas and vrathams
- Visit Shiva, Murugan, and Amman temples
- Observe fasting or partial fasting
- Engage in meditation, chanting, and charity
Since Pournami is calculated using lunar tithi, the date and timing change every month. Knowing the exact Pournami start and end time is essential for performing rituals at the correct period.
This page provides the complete list of Pournami dates in 2026, along with accurate start and end timings, calculated strictly as per the Tamil Panchangam.
Pournami 2026: Dates and Timings
| Date | Day | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 3, 2026 | Saturday | Jan 02, 6:44 PM | Jan 03, 4:42 PM |
| February 1, 2026 | Sunday | Feb 01, 4:41 AM | Feb 02, 4:43 AM |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Mar 02, 6:29 PM | Mar 03, 5:52 PM |
| April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Apr 01, 7:38 AM | Apr 02, 7:57 AM |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Apr 30, 9:51 PM | May 01, 11:07 PM |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | May 30, 12:55 PM | May 31, 2:45 PM |
| June 29, 2026 | Monday | Jun 29, 12:00 AM | Jun 30, 6:11 AM |
| July 29, 2026 | Wednesday | Jul 28, 7:33 PM | Jul 29, 8:58 PM |
| August 27, 2026 | Thursday | Aug 27, 9:56 AM | Aug 28, 10:29 AM |
| September 26, 2026 | Saturday | Sep 25, 11:13 PM | Sep 26, 10:50 PM |
| October 25, 2026 | Sunday | Oct 25, 11:31 AM | Oct 26, 10:14 AM |
| November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Nov 23, 11:20 PM | Nov 24, 9:24 PM |
| December 23, 2026 | Wednesday | Dec 23, 10:27 AM | Dec 24, 8:10 AM |
How Pournami Timing Is Determined
Pournami begins when the Pournami Tithi starts and ends when the tithi concludes. Because tithi follows lunar motion:
- Pournami may start on one calendar day and end on the next
- Rituals should be done only during the Pournami tithi duration
- Checking only the calendar date may lead to incorrect timing
The timings on this page are calculated based on:
- Traditional Tamil Panchangam
- Correct interpretation of Tamil time terms such as
Athikalai (early morning – AM), Kaalai (morning – AM), and Malai (evening – PM) - Accurate start–end tithi logic without approximation
How to Observe Pournami – Traditional Practices
On Pournami day, devotees traditionally:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath
- Perform special pooja or abhishekam
- Visit temples, especially Shiva, Murugan, and Goddess temples
- Light lamps in the evening and offer prayers
- Donate food or essentials as an act of charity
Many devotees observe Pournami Vratham, believing it brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Why Pournami Is Considered Auspicious
According to tradition:
- Pournami is ideal for new beginnings and spiritual commitments
- Meditation on Pournami is believed to enhance mental stability and clarity
- Charity done on Pournami yields long-lasting spiritual merit
Unlike Amavasai, Pournami is considered a highly auspicious day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pournami
What is Pournami in the Tamil calendar?
Pournami is the full moon day observed every lunar month for worship, vrathams, and spiritual activities.
How many Pournami days are there in 2026?
There are 12 Pournami days in 2026, one in each lunar month.
Can Pournami fall on two days?
Yes. Since it is based on lunar tithi, Pournami may span two calendar days.
Which time is best for Pournami pooja?
Poojas should be performed during the Pournami tithi, preferably in the morning or evening.