Purnima Tithi of Chaitra month is celebrated as Chaitra Purnima. Chaitra Purnima is also called Chaiti Purnima, Chait Purnima, Chaiti Punam, etc. This year, Chaitra Purnima will be celebrated on 23 April 2024. Chaitra Purnima is one of the most important days in Hindu Panchang. Snan in holy rivers and going to religious places is considered to give auspicious and fruitful results.
Chaitra Purnima : Hanuman Janamotsava
On the auspicious day of Chaitra Purnima, the atmosphere is devotional all around. In South India, this day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Hanuman. Two opinions are very popular regarding the date of Hanuman Jayanti. One is that it is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Purnima and the other date on which it is celebrated is Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated mainly in South India on Chaitra Purnima. Whereas in North India it is celebrated on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. According to both these opinions Lord Hanuman was born during Mahanisha Kaal. That’s why both these opinions are popular and valid.
Satya Narayan Katha Puja on Chaitra Purnima
On the day of Chaitra Purnima, auspicious and positive results can be obtained by performing Satya Narayan Katha and Puja. On this day Satya Narayan Katha is organised and recited. Havan and Yagya are also organised.
Chaitra Purnima : Chandrama Puja
Chandrama Puja on the day of Chaitra Purnima holds great importance. On the day of Purnima, the Moon can be seen completely. According to religious beliefs and texts, performing Chandrama Pujan on this day brings good luck and happiness. On this day, the rays of the Moon falling on the Earth are equivalent to Amrit, which should be consumed by all. Moon’s rays are at its best on this day. Purnima Tithi is considered the perfect time for special rituals and Mantra Siddhi. The Moon should be worshipped on Purnima Tithi to improve concentration and reduce mental stress.
On the night of Chaitra Purnima, a mixture of raw milk, water, and sugar is prepared and offered to Chandra Dev. The following Mantra should be recited while offering water – “Om Som Somaya Namah”. Along with this Chandrama Aarti and Mantras should also be recited during the Puja. Meditation should be observed in the moonlight. People who are facing problems due to the Moon or children who are facing lack of concentration, they should especially worship Chandra Dev on this day. Kheer should be offered as Bhog to the Moon and then it should be distributed amongst the poor.
Chaitra Purnima: Beginning of Vaishakh Snan
Vaishakh Snan commences from Chaitra Purnima. Vaishakh month begins after Chaitra Purnima. In other words, Purnima Tithi marks the beginning of all auspicious rituals that are performed in Vaishakh month. The first auspicious ritual that is performed is the Vaishakh Snan. Vaishakh month and its Mahatmay starts from this day. All the religious activities like charity, chanting that goes on for a month begin from the day of Chaitra Purnima.
The importance of Vaishakh month and all the rituals to be followed in this month start from Chaitra Purnima. Vaishakh month Snan begins from this day. This continues for the whole month. The importance of Vaishakh Snan has been beautifully explained in Skanda Purana. Lord Krishna himself speaks about the importance of Vaishakh month. As per him every person who performs Snans, observes fasts, chants and charity from the day of Chaitra Purnima for the entire Vaishakh month gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu. In the end, the person attains salvation.
Importance of Deepdaan on the day of Chaitra Purnima
Deepdaan on the night of Chaitra Purnima holds great importance. On this day, all the wishes are fulfilled by lighting innumerable Deepaks and flowing them in holy rivers. Deepaks are also lit in houses and temples.
Maharaas on Chaitra Purnima
According to ancient scriptures, it is believed that Lord Krishna organised Maharaas in Brij on Chaitra Purnima. Lord Krishna organised Raas with Radha Ji and Gopis, that’s why still this day is celebrated with great joy and excitement in Mathura and Brij. This Raslila of Lord Krishna depicts the unity of the soul with God and the feeling of Brahm. Everything is made by the Lord and the Lord can be found in everything. This is also the essence of Raslila. In all the important places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Brij, etc. special Puja and Bhog is organised and religious Paths are recited.
Chaitra Purnima is celebrated with great velour across the country
To conclude, Chaitra Purnima is celebrated with great excitement across the country. This is celebrated as Chaiti Purnima, Hanuman Janamotsav and many other festivals. This day is celebrated as Hanuman Janamotsav in South India. Shree Satyanarayan Katha is also organised on this day. Bhajan and Kirtans are organised in houses and temples. Bhandaras are organised in different places.
On the occasion of Chaitra Purnima, grand fairs are also organised across the country. Holy rivers and banks are decorated. A conjunction of various cultures can be seen on this day. Lakhs of people visit rivers, ponds, and banks to perform Snan and Puja-Path. Enthusiasm can be seen in the rural areas, especially in the farmer community. This is because at this time gram, peas, mustard, etc. are ready as crops and it marks the arrival of wealth in the farmer’s house. They are able to purchase things related to farming, that’s why this day holds great importance in their lives. According to ancient scriptures, wishes asked with trust and faith are fulfilled.