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Moon Phases 2026 India — Complete Monthly Lunar Calendar
In 2026, India experiences 12 full moons, 12 new moons, and the full set of waxing and waning lunar phases, each carrying deep significance in the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain calendars that shape daily life across the country. This complete lunar calendar covers every moon phase in 2026 month by month, so you can plan festivals, fasting days, auspicious dates, and outdoor activities around the lunar cycle.
What Are the Moon Phases and Why Do They Matter in India
The lunar cycle is the sequence of shapes the Moon appears to take as seen from Earth over approximately 29.5 days. The four primary moon phases are: new moon (Amavasya), first quarter (waxing half-moon), full moon (Purnima), and last quarter (waning half-moon). Between these four principal phases sit four intermediate stages — waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, and waning crescent — giving eight recognisable shapes across each cycle.
In India, the lunar cycle today is not merely an astronomical observation. The traditional Hindu Panchang (almanac) is built entirely on the lunar calendar, dividing each month into a bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and a dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). Every major festival — Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Karva Chauth, Eid ul-Fitr — is fixed to a specific Tithi (lunar day), making awareness of the current moon cycle essential for hundreds of millions of people. According to the Drik Panchang, one of India’s most-consulted astronomical reference platforms, the Tithi at sunrise determines the religious observances for the entire day.
For farmers across rural India, the lunar phase calendar also informs planting and harvesting decisions rooted in centuries of agrarian tradition. For those practising Ayurveda, fasting on Ekadashi (the eleventh lunar day of each fortnight) is a well-established health and spiritual discipline.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - January 2026
Day Date Moon phase 3 January 3, 2026 Full Moon 10 January 10, 2026 Last Quarter 18 January 18, 2026 New Moon 26 January 26, 2026 First Quarter
January 2026 opens the year with the lunar cycle already in progress from late December. The new moon (Amavasya) in January marks the start of a new Panchang month and is observed as a day for ancestor rituals (Pitru Tarpan) in many Hindu households. The full moon of January corresponds to Paush Purnima, an auspicious bathing date at pilgrimage sites including Prayagraj, where the Magh Mela season begins. Check the India calendar January 2026 with public holidays to align lunar dates with national holidays and plan your schedule for the month.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - February 2026
Day Date Moon phase 1 February 1, 2026 Full Moon 9 February 9, 2026 Last Quarter 17 February 17, 2026 New Moon 24 February 24, 2026 First Quarter
February 2026 carries the Magh Purnima full moon, considered one of the holiest full moon days in the Hindu calendar. Devotees take a ritual dip at sacred rivers — particularly the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj and the Ganges at Haridwar and Varanasi — on this date. The new moon of February falls in the Magh month and is another Amavasya observed for ancestral prayers. The India calendar February 2026 with public holidays shows how the lunar phase dates sit alongside national and regional observances.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - March 2026
Day Date Moon phase 3 March 3, 2026 Full Moon 11 March 11, 2026 Last Quarter 19 March 19, 2026 New Moon 25 March 25, 2026 First Quarter
March 2026 is among the most festival-dense months of the Indian lunar year. The full moon of March is Phalguna Purnima, the night on which Holika Dahan (the bonfire ritual) is performed, immediately preceding Holi — the festival of colours celebrated with enormous enthusiasm across North India, Maharashtra, and the diaspora worldwide. According to India.gov.in, Holi is a gazetted public holiday for Central Government offices and is widely observed nationwide. The new moon of March falls in early Chaitra and sets the count towards the Hindu New Year. The India calendar March 2026 with public holidays lists all confirmed holidays for the month.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - April 2026
Day Date Moon phase 2 April 2, 2026 Full Moon 10 April 10, 2026 Last Quarter 17 April 17, 2026 New Moon 24 April 24, 2026 First Quarter
April 2026 hosts the Chaitra Purnima full moon, which coincides with Hanuman Jayanti in the Vaishnava tradition — the birthday of Lord Hanuman celebrated with processions, temple visits, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. Chaitra Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, falls in the bright fortnight leading up to this full moon. The waxing lunar cycle through April is therefore one of the most auspicious fortnights of the year. See the India calendar April 2026 with public holidays for the complete picture of holidays and observances.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - May 2026
Day Date Moon phase 1 May 1, 2026 Full Moon 9 May 9, 2026 Last Quarter 16 May 16, 2026 New Moon 23 May 23, 2026 First Quarter 31 May 31, 2026 Full Moon
The May 2026 full moon is Vaishakha Purnima, also known as Buddha Purnima or Vesak, the day that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is a gazetted public holiday across India. This full moon is of particular significance to the Buddhist communities of Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tibetan diaspora. The lunar cycle today in May also marks the month used for Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej), one of the most auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar for new beginnings, weddings, and gold purchases. The India calendar May 2026 with public holidays covers all the key dates.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - June 2026
Day Date Moon phase 8 June 8, 2026 Last Quarter 15 June 15, 2026 New Moon 21 June 21, 2026 First Quarter 29 June 29, 2026 Full Moon
June 2026 brings the Jyeshtha Purnima full moon. Vat Savitri Vrat, observed by married women for the long life of their husbands, typically falls around the full moon or new moon of this month depending on regional tradition. The monsoon season begins across much of India in June, and traditional almanacs link the lunar cycle to the onset and intensity of rainfall — a belief embedded in agrarian communities from Kerala to Punjab. The India calendar June 2026 with public holidays details national and regional holidays for the month.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - July 2026
Day Date Moon phase 7 July 7, 2026 Last Quarter 14 July 14, 2026 New Moon 21 July 21, 2026 First Quarter 29 July 29, 2026 Full Moon
The July 2026 full moon is Ashadha Purnima, also known as Guru Purnima — the day dedicated to honouring spiritual and academic teachers across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Celebrations take place at ashrams, universities, and temples throughout the country. This full moon also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period during which Jain monks remain stationary and many Hindus observe fasting and austerities. The India calendar July 2026 with public holidays includes all relevant dates.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - August 2026
Day Date Moon phase 6 August 6, 2026 Last Quarter 12 August 12, 2026 New Moon 20 August 20, 2026 First Quarter 28 August 28, 2026 Full Moon
August 2026 is anchored by Shravan Purnima, the full moon of the holy month of Shravan — considered the most sacred month of the year in the Shaiva tradition. Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, falls on this Purnima and is a gazetted public holiday. Earlier in the lunar cycle, Nag Panchami (worship of serpent deities) falls in the bright fortnight, while the new moon of August is the Hariyali Amavasya, associated with tree planting and nature worship. The India calendar August 2026 with public holidays provides the full overview.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - September 2026
Day Date Moon phase 4 September 4, 2026 Last Quarter 11 September 11, 2026 New Moon 18 September 18, 2026 First Quarter 26 September 26, 2026 Full Moon
September 2026 centres on Bhadrapada Purnima and the lunar fortnight leading into it. Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten-day festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, begins on the fourth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada and culminates with Anant Chaturdashi, which in 2026 falls in late September. Maharashtra and Goa observe massive public celebrations, with the Lalbaugcha Raja idol in Mumbai drawing millions of devotees. The new moon of September is also significant as the Bhadrapada Amavasya, observed as Mahalaya Amavasya — the final day of Pitru Paksha (the fortnight of ancestor remembrance). The India calendar September 2026 with public holidays lists all confirmed holidays.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - October 2026
Day Date Moon phase 3 October 3, 2026 Last Quarter 10 October 10, 2026 New Moon 18 October 18, 2026 First Quarter 26 October 26, 2026 Full Moon
October 2026 is the heart of the autumn festival season. The Ashwin lunar month covers the Navratri festival (nine nights of goddess worship), culminating in Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on the tenth day — a national public holiday marking the victory of Rama over Ravana and celebrated with Ramlila performances and burning of effigies across North India. The full moon of October is Sharad Purnima (also called Kojagiri Purnima), one of the most luminous full moons of the year, when the moon is believed to be at its closest and brightest. Milk and rice pudding (kheer) are left under the moonlight overnight as an offering. The India calendar October 2026 with public holidays details Navratri, Dussehra, and every other holiday.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - November 2026
Day Date Moon phase 1 November 1, 2026 Last Quarter 9 November 9, 2026 New Moon 17 November 17, 2026 First Quarter 24 November 24, 2026 Full Moon
November 2026 hosts the Kartik Purnima full moon — one of the most sacred full moons in the entire Hindu calendar. It marks the end of the Kartik month, during which bathing in sacred rivers and lighting lamps (Diya) daily is an established pious practice. Kartik Purnima also coincides with Dev Diwali (Tripurotsav), when Varanasi’s ghats are illuminated with hundreds of thousands of earthen lamps in one of India’s most spectacular annual events. Earlier in November, the new moon of Kartik is Diwali — the festival of lights, a five-day national holiday period that is the single most celebrated festival in India. The India calendar November 2026 with public holidays covers Diwali, Kartik Purnima, and all related holidays.
Moon phasesLunar Calendar - December 2026
Day Date Moon phase 1 December 1, 2026 Last Quarter 9 December 9, 2026 New Moon 17 December 17, 2026 First Quarter 24 December 24, 2026 Full Moon 30 December 30, 2026 Last Quarter
December 2026 closes the lunar year with the Margashirsha Purnima full moon. According to the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10, verse 35), Lord Krishna identifies himself with the month of Margashirsha, making this a spiritually elevated period. The new moon (Amavasya) of December is observed as a day of ancestor prayers and charitable giving. As the Gregorian year ends, many Hindu families also consult the Panchang to select auspicious dates for travel, business launches, and other life events beginning in the new year. The India calendar December 2026 with public holidays rounds out the year with all holiday dates.
The Eight Phases of the Moon Explained
Understanding what each phase looks like helps you track the lunar cycle today without any special equipment:
New Moon (Amavasya): The Moon is between Earth and the Sun and is invisible from the ground. This is the start of the lunar month in the Hindu calendar and is observed as a day for ancestral rituals.
Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of the Moon is visible on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere. It grows each evening over the following week.
First Quarter: The Moon appears as a half-circle. In India this corresponds to Ashtami (the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight, Shukla Ashtami), an important date in several religious traditions.
Waxing Gibbous: More than half the Moon is illuminated and growing. The night sky grows progressively brighter through this phase.
Full Moon (Purnima): The entire face of the Moon is illuminated. Purnima is one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu month, associated with fasting, temple visits, and the celebration of major festivals including Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Buddha Purnima, and Guru Purnima.
Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins to shrink from the left side. Energy in traditional Indian astrology is considered to be on the wane.
Last Quarter: The Moon appears as a half-circle again, now on the left side. The eleventh lunar day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Ekadashi) typically falls around this time and is a major fasting day observed by many Vaishnavas.
Waning Crescent: The Moon is a thin sliver on the left and fading. The period immediately before Amavasya is called Chaturdashi (fourteenth lunar day) and carries specific ritual significance in Shaiva and tantric traditions.
Moon Phases and Indian Festivals: Quick Reference 2026
The table below maps the principal full moon (Purnima) and new moon (Amavasya) dates of 2026 to their associated festivals and observances in India.
| Month | Full Moon Name | Key Festival / Observance |
|---|---|---|
| January | Paush Purnima | Magh Mela begins, Makar Sankranti season |
| February | Magh Purnima | Sacred river bathing, Kumbh-related observances |
| March | Phalguna Purnima | Holika Dahan, Holi |
| April | Chaitra Purnima | Hanuman Jayanti, Chaitra Navratri culmination |
| May | Vaishakha Purnima | Buddha Purnima (Vesak), Akshaya Tritiya season |
| June | Jyeshtha Purnima | Vat Savitri Vrat |
| July | Ashadha Purnima | Guru Purnima, Chaturmas begins |
| August | Shravan Purnima | Raksha Bandhan |
| September | Bhadrapada Purnima | Ganesh Chaturthi culmination, Mahalaya Amavasya |
| October | Ashwin Purnima | Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri), post-Dussehra |
| November | Kartik Purnima | Dev Diwali, Diwali Amavasya |
| December | Margashirsha Purnima | Sacred Margashirsha month closes |
How to Use the Lunar Calendar for Auspicious Dates (Shubh Muhurat)
In Indian tradition, selecting an auspicious time window — a Shubh Muhurat — for events such as weddings, housewarming (Griha Pravesh), business launches, and naming ceremonies requires combining three factors: the Tithi (lunar day), the Nakshatra (lunar mansion the Moon occupies), and the weekday. The Panchang published by the Rashtriya Panchang, maintained by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is the official Government of India almanac and the definitive reference for calculating Tithis and Muhurats across all Indian states.
The lunar phase calendar on this page shows the precise moment each phase begins in Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30), which is the relevant time zone for Tithi calculations across all Indian states and union territories. For Muhurat purposes, the Tithi is determined by the Moon’s angular distance from the Sun: a new Tithi begins every 12 degrees of separation, completing a full cycle of 30 Tithis across one lunar month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases in India 2026
How many full moons are there in 2026 in India?
There are 12 full moons in 2026 in India, one in each calendar month. Because the lunar month is approximately 29.5 days and the Gregorian calendar month averages 30.4 days, a 13th full moon does not occur in 2026.
What is the difference between Purnima and Amavasya?
Purnima is the full moon day — the fifteenth Tithi of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) when the Moon is completely illuminated. Amavasya is the new moon day — the fifteenth Tithi of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) when the Moon is not visible. Both days are considered highly significant in Hindu religious practice, with specific fasts, prayers, and rituals associated with each.
What is a lunar cycle and how long does it last in 2026?
A lunar cycle (also called a synodic month) is the time from one new moon to the next. In 2026, as in all years, each lunar cycle lasts approximately 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. This means the dates of new moons and full moons shift forward by roughly one day each month across the Gregorian calendar.
Why do Indian festivals change date every year?
Indian festivals follow the lunisolar Hindu calendar, in which months are defined by the Moon’s phases but a leap month (Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas) is inserted approximately every three years to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. As a result, any given festival can shift by up to five weeks relative to the Gregorian calendar from one year to the next, always staying within the same approximate season.
What is the moon phase today in India?
The moon phase today in India is shown in real time in the interactive lunar phase table at the top of each monthly section on this page. All times are given in Indian Standard Time (IST). For the current Tithi and Nakshatra, cross-reference with the Rashtriya Panchang.
Which full moon is the most important in India?
Kartik Purnima (November), Sharad Purnima (October), Phalguna Purnima (March — Holi), Vaishakha Purnima (May — Buddha Purnima), and Ashadha Purnima (July — Guru Purnima) are generally considered the five most important full moons in the Indian religious calendar, though the relative importance varies by regional tradition and personal faith.
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