Ashadha Purnima 2026 — Wednesday, 29 July 2026

About this day

Ashadha Purnima is Guru Purnima, also called Vyasa Purnima after the sage Vyasa, a day to honour one’s teachers. Monks begin their four months of staying in one place (chaturmas vrata) around this day.

How Purnima is kept

• The vrat is usually kept from sunrise until the moon rises; water (arghya) is offered to the moon and then the fast is broken.
• Satyanarayan puja and katha are held at home or in a temple, usually in the evening, with panchamrit, tulsi, bananas and a prasad of sheera or panjiri made from semolina or wheat flour.
• Food customs vary: some take only fruit and milk during the day, some eat one meal without grains, and many simply avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• A bath in a river or holy tank is a long-standing custom, especially on Kartika, Magha and Vaishakha Purnima; those who cannot travel add a little Ganga water to their bath at home.
• Giving food, clothes or grain, and feeding cows or birds, is widely practised on Purnima.
• If you are pregnant, elderly, diabetic or unwell, a lighter observance serves just as well: eat normally or take fruit and milk, and keep the prayer. Check with your doctor if you are unsure about fasting.

Purnima: the full guide and every date

Questions people ask