Bhadrapad Purnima 2026: Starting the morning of Bhadrapad Purnima with a ritual bath, acts of charity, and prayers is considered religiously auspicious. On this day, many people perform a holy bath, donate to the needy, and worship Lord Satyanarayana. Preparations for Lakshmi Puja at home begin in the evening. There is also a tradition of offering *Arghya* (a ritual offering of water) to the moon on the night of Purnima. This raises the question: what is the best time for these activities, and what is the proper method of worship?

In 2026, Bhadrapad Purnima falls on September 26—that is, today. Let us learn from Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma about the traditional rituals for this day, ranging from the holy bath and charity to Lakshmi Puja and the lunar offering.

When to Perform the Holy Bath and Charity on Bhadrapad Purnima 2026
Bhadrapad Purnima is being observed today, Saturday, September 26, 2026. According to the *Drik Panchang*, the Purnima *Tithi* (lunar day) begins on the night of September 25 and continues until the night of September 26. Timings for sunrise, moonrise, and specific auspicious moments (*Muhurats*) may vary across different cities.

According to the specified timings, the *Brahma Muhurat*—the ideal time for the Purnima bath and charity—is from 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM. After bathing during this time and wearing clean clothes, one can offer prayers to the Sun God and one's chosen deity (*Ishta Devta*). Subsequently, it is considered auspicious to donate food grains, clothing, fruits, or other essential items according to one's means. One can bathe at home using clean water; however, if facilities are available, people also bathe in holy rivers or at pilgrimage sites in accordance with religious traditions. Donations can be made according to one's capacity to help others.

**Timing for Satyanarayan Puja**
According to the almanac (*Panchang*), the auspicious time for worshipping Lord Satyanarayan on Bhadrapada Purnima is from 7:42 AM to 9:12 AM. After cleaning the place of worship, Lord Vishnu and Lord Satyanarayan are worshipped. Offerings such as fruits, flowers, a lamp (*diya*), *Panchamrit*, and *Prasad* may be placed for the ritual. There is also a tradition of listening to the Satyanarayan Katha (narrative) after the worship; family members can sit together to listen to the story and, at the conclusion, perform the *Aarti* and distribute the *Prasad*.

**How ​​to Perform Lakshmi Puja in the Evening**
On the evening of Bhadrapada Purnima, it is customary to clean the house and light a lamp at the place of worship.

According to the specified auspicious time (*Muhurat*), Lakshmi Puja can be performed starting at 6:13 PM.

Before the puja, clean the main areas of the house and the place of worship.

Install the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu and worship them.
Bathe the idols ceremonially, then offer a lamp, incense, flowers, and *Naivedya* (food offering).

Contemplate and invoke Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu during the worship.

Finally, perform the *Aarti*, offer the *Bhog* (food offering), and distribute it among everyone as *Prasad*.

Conclude by seeking forgiveness from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu for any errors made during the worship and seek their blessings.

**Procedure for Offering *Arghya* to the Moon**
There is a tradition of offering *Arghya* (a ceremonial water offering) to the moon after sighting it on the evening of Purnima. According to the schedule, the *Arghya* to the moon can be offered after 7:30 PM on September 26th. Moonrise timings in almanacs may vary by location; for instance, almanacs for different Indian cities record variations in moonrise times for September 26th.

Take clean water in a vessel (*lota*) for the moon *Arghya*.
You may add *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains) and flowers to the water.
After sighting the moon, offer the water (*Arghya*) slowly using both hands. After this, offer prayers while remembering Lord Chandra (the Moon God).
Some families also perform worship by lighting a lamp, in accordance with their traditions.

Things to keep in mind on Bhadrapada Purnima:
It is customary to maintain a peaceful and *sattvic* (pure and serene) atmosphere at home on this day, alongside the performance of rituals. Preparations for the worship can be made during the day, following a morning bath and acts of charity. Lakshmi Puja and the offering of *Arghya* to the Moon can be performed in the evening.

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