Bhadrapada Purnima falls on September 26: timing and its link to Pitru Paksha
Bhadrapada Purnima, which falls on September 26 this year, marks the start of Pitru Paksha rituals in many places.
In the Hindu calendar, the last day of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month is called Bhadrapada Purnima. This day is considered especially significant in Hindu tradition, as religious rites linked to Pitru Paksha begin from this date in many places. Remembering ancestors, performing tarpan, and giving alms and charity are considered essential on this day. In some places, there is also a tradition of worshipping Lord Vishnu and Satyanarayan, offering arghya to the moon, and performing charitable acts.
According to the calendar, the Purnima tithi begins around 11:06 pm on September 25 and ends around 10:18 pm on September 26. As a result, Bhadrapada Purnima will be observed this year on Saturday, September 26.
A method of worship for Bhadrapada Purnima has also been laid out. One should wake up early, bathe, and worship the household deity. After this, it is traditional to worship Lord Vishnu or Satyanarayan. For the puja, a clean seat should be laid before the deity and a kalash installed. Flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, naivedya and a lamp should be offered to Lord Vishnu. Those who wish may read or listen to the Satyanarayan katha. After the puja is complete, aarti should be performed and prasad distributed. There is also a tradition of offering arghya to the moon once it is visible on Purnima. It is considered correct to follow the puja rituals as per one's own family tradition.
The last day of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month is called Purnima, and the moon appears full on this day. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Krishna Paksha begins after Bhadrapada Purnima.
In the Krishna Paksha that follows Bhadrapada Purnima, there is a tradition of performing shraddha and tarpan to remember ancestors. This is why Bhadrapada Purnima is also considered important with regard to Pitru Paksha.
The period from the Pratipada of the Krishna Paksha that begins after Bhadrapada Purnima, up to Sarvapitru Amavasya, is called Pitru Paksha or Shraddha Paksha. During this period, the tradition of performing shraddha, tarpan and pind daan in the name of ancestors who have passed away in the family is observed.
In Hindu religious tradition, Purnima is considered an important date for puja, chanting, meditation and charity. Since Bhadrapada Purnima falls just before Pitru Paksha, this day is given special importance for remembering ancestors and for the shraddha rites that follow.
