Purnima facts for kids
Pūrṇimā (Sanskrit: पूर्णिमा) is the word for full moon in Sanskrit. It is a special day each month when the Moon looks completely round and bright. On this day, the Moon, Earth, and Sun line up perfectly straight in space. This alignment is called a syzygy.
Purnima marks the middle point between the two halves of the lunar month. It is considered one of the four main phases of the Moon. The other main phases are the new moon, first quarter moon, and third quarter moon. A full moon shows 100% of its surface lit up by the Sun. It can cause very high tides in the oceans. Sometimes, a lunar eclipse can also happen during a full moon.
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Full Moon Festivals
Many festivals are celebrated on the day of Purnima. These festivals often have special meanings and traditions.
Kartik Purnima
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik. It is also known as Tripura Purnima.
Shravan Purnima
Shravan Purnima is the full moon day in the month of Shravan. This day is known by several names. It is also celebrated as Raksha Bandhan, a festival where siblings show their love and protection for each other.
Vat Purnima
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Jyeshta. On this day, women pray for their husbands' well-being. They often tie threads around a banyan tree, called a 'Vat' tree. This tradition honors Savitri, a legendary wife who saved her husband from death.
Guru Purnima
On the full moon day of Ashadha, devotees honor their teachers, known as Gurus. This day is also called Vyasa Purnima. It celebrates the birthday of Vyasa, who wrote the ancient epic Mahabharata. He is seen as a great teacher for everyone.
Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is an Autumn Harvest Festival. It takes place on the full moon day of Ashvina. It is also known as Kojagiri Purnima.
Buddha Purnima
This special day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. It occurs on the full moon day of Vaishakha.
Holi / Phalgun Purnima
This is a colorful Spring Festival celebrated in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun. Holi is famous for people playing with colors.
Dattatreya Jayanti
Dattātreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Margashira.
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman. It is observed on the full moon of the lunar month Chaitra. However, the exact day of celebration can vary in different parts of India.
Shakambhari Purnima
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Pausha.
Purnima Shraddha
Purnima Shraddha is observed on the full moon day of the month of Bhaadra. On this day, people may perform rituals for the well-being of their ancestors.
