Sawan Purnima 2025 – Date, Significance, and Worship Method

The last date of the Shukla Paksha in each lunar month is called Purnima. The waxing and waning of the moon determine the two lunar fortnights of the month. On Amavasya, the moon completely disappears, and after that, it gradually becomes full by Purnima. The period when the moon increases in size is Shukla Paksha, while the decreasing phase is Krishna Paksha. People know Purnima by many names such as Poornima, Purnamasi, or Poonam. Religious traditions regard this date as highly auspicious. Therefore, it holds great importance. Sawan Purnima becomes even more special in this context. Let us understand the significance of Sawan Purnima and the method of fasting and worship.

When is Sawan Purnima in 2025?

• 9 August 2025, Saturday (Shravan Purnima Vrat, Shravan Purnima)
• Purnima Tithi Begins – 8 August, from 2:12 PM
  Purnima Tithi Ends – 9 August, till 1:24 PM

Naming of Sawan Purnima

According to the Hindu calendar, people name each lunar month based on the position of the moon on its full moon day. Astrology recognizes 27 nakshatras. These nakshatras are considered the wives of the moon. One of them is Shravana. People believe that on Sawan Purnima, the moon transits through Shravana Nakshatra. Hence, the month is named Shravan, and the full moon is called Shravan Purnima.

Sawan Purnima Vrat and Worship Method

People follow different worship methods on Sawan Purnima depending on regional traditions and festivals. Since this day includes the tradition of tying Raksha Sutra, one must take a red or yellow silk cloth, place mustard seeds and rice grains (Akshat) inside, and tie it with a red thread (preferably Mauli or raw cotton thread). After sprinkling water on it, place it in a copper vessel. Worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, other deities, and family gods.

Then, ask a Brahmin to tie the Raksha Sutra bundle on your wrist. Afterward, serve food to the Brahmin and offer donations and dakshina to satisfy him. Tradition also encourages Vedic study on this day. Offer Tarpan to deities, sages, and ancestors. After bathing, feed cows with fodder and ants or fish with flour or grains. People believe that properly observing the Purnima fast forgives any lapses in Vedic rituals during the year. This Purnima is also believed to offer the same merit as fasting on all other full moon days throughout the year.

Significance of Sawan Purnima

Every Purnima is considered auspicious and religiously important. But Sawan Purnima carries a unique charm. Across India, especially in North India, people celebrate the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan on this day. In South India, people observe it as Narali Purnima and Avani Avittam. In Central India, people call it Kajari Poonam, while in Gujarat, it is known as Pavitropana. Some regions also conduct Yajnopavita Puja and Upanayana rituals on this day. This date holds prime importance for chanting, penance, charity, and offerings. Amarnath Yatra also concludes on this day. People believe this date helps in gaining relief from Chandra Dosha (lunar afflictions).