Phalguna Purnima in 2024
What is Phalguna Purnima?
Full moon days in Hindu calendar are known as Purnima in North Indian states, Pournami in South Indian states and Poonam in Gujarat. All Purnima days in Hindu calendar are significant as Purnima days either coincides with important festivals or Jayanti days in the calendar.
Apart from festivals and Jayanti days, many families traditionally observe a day long fast on Purnimasi days in the year. Full moon days are also very significant to perform Satya Narayana Puja.
Phalguna Purnima, which is the last Purnima of the year, is no exception. Lakshmi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Phalguna Purnima is also known as six Ritu(s) or seasons in Vedic astrology. It is important to note that Hindu festivals are not linked with seasons as all Hindu festivals drift away from seasons due to precession. As it takes thousands of years to notice seasonal change of Hindu festivals, it is assumed that festivals are linked to seasons and festivals are given alternate names based on the season they currently coincide with.
In South Indian states, namely Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, Phalguna Purnima is observed as Kama Dahanam. The rituals of Kama Dahanam are same that of legend of Holika Dahan. Generally Holi is considered as North Indian festival but it is also observed as Kaman Pandigai in Tamil Nadu and Kamuni Panduga in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In West Bengal and Orissa, Dol Purnima is observed during Phalguna Purnima. The festival of Dol Purnima is dedicated to Lord Krishna. On this day, the procession of Lord Krishna is taken through streets while devotees playing Holi with Lord Krishna.
Phalguna Purnima also coincides with the birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Hence the day of Phalguna Purnima is very significant for Gaudiya Vaishnava(s).
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