Chaitra Purnima – Chait Poornima

Chaitra Poornima, or Chait Purnima, is the full moon day in the month of Chaitra (March – April) in a traditional Hindu calendar. In 2011, the date of Chaitra Purnima is April 18. Chaitra Purnima is a highly auspicious day for many Hindu communities and it is observed differently in different parts of India. The most important festival on the day is the Hanuman Jayanti. 

The month-long Vaishakha Snana begins on Chaitra Poornima.

In Orissa, month-long special pujas dedicated to Goddess Mangala begins on Chaitra Purnima. The day is also highly auspicious for the fishing community and they offer special pujas for a better catch and safe fishing in the seas.