Why we celebrate
Chaitra Purnima is the full moon of Chaitra, a day of charity, devotion and the worship of the Moon God and Chitragupta, the record-keeper of deeds.
Regional tradition
Festival Profile
Chaitra Purnima
Full moon of Chaitra, sacred for charity and devotion to the Moon God.
Chaitra Purnima is the full moon of Chaitra, a day of charity, devotion and the worship of the Moon God and Chitragupta, the record-keeper of deeds.
When
Chaitra Purnima falls on the full moon of the Hindu month Chaitra (March-April).
Since when it is followed
The Chaitra full moon has been a day of charity and devotion for centuries.
Regional tradition
Who celebrates / for whom
Celebrated by Hindus, and as Hanuman Jayanti by many in northern India on the same day.
Origin
The origin is the sacred full moon of Chaitra, a day of charity (daan) and the worship of the Moon and Chitragupta.
Regional tradition; Chaitra full moon
Key deities
The Moon God (Chandra) and Chitragupta, and Lord Hanuman in some traditions.
How to celebrate
Take a holy bath, give charity, worship the Moon and Chitragupta, and in some regions observe Hanuman Jayanti.
Rituals & offerings
Charity, Moon and Chitragupta puja, and holy bathing.
Key facts
Chaitra Purnima often coincides with Hanuman Jayanti in northern India.
Regional tradition