Purnima January 2026 — Date, Time & Vrat Vidhi
Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026 (New Delhi timings) — nakshatra Ardra, sunrise 07:14 AM, sunset 05:36 PM.
Significance of Purnima
Purnima (full moon) is traditionally considered highly auspicious for fasting (Purnima Vrat), charity, and spiritually significant observances tied to the full illumination of the Moon.
How This Date Is Calculated
Purnima falls on the day the Moon's angular distance from the Sun reaches its 180° point (exactly opposite the Sun) — computed from actual Sun-Moon positions for january 2026, not a fixed yearly repeat (the exact date shifts every year).
Get the Exact Time, Not Just the Date
The precise start/end time of Purnima (needed for correctly timed vrat or puja) requires minute-level calculation — check our free Panchang tool for the live, exact timing.
Preparing For The Observance
Many families begin preparation a day ahead — planning the fast (if observed), arranging offerings, and confirming the exact start time so the ritual begins within the correct window rather than approximated from a generic printed calendar.
A Personal Angle
Some Purnima observances are especially significant depending on your Moon sign or current planetary period — your free Kundli can show if this one is particularly relevant for you.
FAQs
Why does the Purnima date change every month and year?
Purnima follows the lunar cycle (about 29.5 days), which doesn't align exactly with the solar calendar, so the exact date shifts month to month and year to year.
Is the date the same across India?
The tithi itself is the same nationwide on a given date; only the exact start/end TIME shifts slightly by city due to sunrise/sunset differences.
What if I need the exact start and end time, not just the date?
Use our free Panchang tool for your exact city — it computes the precise tithi transition time, not just the calendar date.