Chaitra Purnima: Celebrating the Hindu Festival

Chaitra Purnima is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India. It holds particular significance in Tamil Nadu and other states. This day marks the full moon, and in Hinduism, the moon is considered a representation of Lord Vishnu, making Chaitra Purnima a day dedicated to his worship. Reciting the story of Lord Satyanarayan and performing worship on this day is considered especially auspicious

When is Chaitra Purnima Celebrated?

Chaitra Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Chaitra month, signifying the start of the Hindu New Year. The festival is also known as Chaiti Poonam or Basant Purnima. According to the Gregorian calendar, Chaitra Purnima falls in April or May each year. In 2023, the festival was celebrated on April 5. This day is significant as the phases of the moon are at their fullest, and the moon shines the brightest in the sky.### Observances and Beliefs of Chaitra Purnima

Lord Krishna’s Maharas Utsav:  According to beliefs, Lord Krishna held the Maharas Utsav in Braj city on Chaitra Purnima, a divine dance event with the Gopis.
Birth of Hanuman: In many regions, Chaitra Purnima is celebrated as Hanuman’s birthday. Hanuman is known as a devoted follower of Lord Shri Ram.
Transition to Vaishakh Month: Chaitra Purnima precedes the holy Vaishakh month, making this day especially important.

Rituals and Remedies for Chaitra Purnima

• For the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi: Offer kheer or white sweets to Goddess Lakshmi and worship the Peepal tree with water and a lit lamp in the evening.
• For the blessings of the Moon God: Offer Arghya to the Moon God by mixing rice with raw milk and reciting specific mantras.
• For marital happiness: Couples can offer Arghya to the Moon God and recite the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Hanumate Namah.
• For Hanuman’s blessings: Recite Hanuman Chalisa in the morning and evening, and chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Hanumate Namah.’

Worship of Lord Satyanarayan

Worshipping Lord Satyanarayan is especially significant on Chaitra Purnima.

Method of Worship:

1. Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
2. Place an idol or picture of Lord Satyanarayan in a clean spot.
3. Arrange offerings such as a pot, flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and a lamp on a stool.
4. Perform worship and listen to the story of Lord Satyanarayan.
5. Distribute Prasad after the puja.

Benefits of Worshipping Lord Satyanarayan:
Worshiping Lord Satyanarayan is believed to remove all sins and bring wealth and prosperity. It can improve the position of the moon in one’s horoscope and grant the blessings of the gods.

Chaitra Purnima Date in 2024

Chaitra Purnima will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.