When Is Chaitra Purnima 2024, 23rd Or 24th April? Confirmed Date, Time, Puja Rituals, History And Significance

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Chaitra Purnima, also known as Chitra Purnima, is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, marking the first full moon of the year. This auspicious occasion falls on 23 April 2024 and is a time for Hindus to seek forgiveness for their sins and make amends.

The day is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti, making it even more auspicious for devotees. On this day, followers of Hinduism engage in various rituals, from holy baths to prayers, to overcome life's obstacles and ask for blessings for a purified soul.

Chaitra Purnima 2024: Date And Time
This year Chaitra Purnima will be celebrated on 23 April 2024. The Purnima Tithi begins at 5:55 pm on 22 April 2024, Monday, and ends at 7:48 pm on 23 April 2024, Tuesday. Devotees observe this time with great reverence, engaging in prayers and rituals to mark the occasion.

Chaitra Purnima 2024: History And Significance
Chaitra Purnima holds a deep spiritual meaning for Hindus. It is a day dedicated to Lord Chitragupta, the deity responsible for keeping a record of human deeds. By praying to Lord Chitragupta and bathing in the holy river Ganga, devotees believe they can achieve salvation and cleanse themselves of past wrongdoings.

The ritual bathing is particularly significant along the Chitra River in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district. This day also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, adding to the day's auspiciousness.

Chaitra Purnima 2024: Puja Rituals
The rituals of Chaitra Purnima start before sunrise with a sacred bath in a holy river. Following this, prayers are offered to Lord Hanuman and Lord Vishnu. Many devotees observe the Satyanarayana vrat and recite the Satyanarayan Katha during the Satyanarayana Puja, making offerings to Lord Vishnu.

In the evening, offering "Arghya" to the Moon God is another significant ceremony. Reading sacred texts like the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana is also encouraged on this day. Moreover, acts of charity, such as the "Anna Daan" custom of donating food, clothing, and money to the needy, are highly meritorious actions performed on Chaitra Purnima.

Chaitra Purnima is not just about rituals and fasting; it is a day to reflect on one's actions and seek a path toward spiritual purity. The collective practices of prayer, charity, and ritual bathing are means to wash away sins and start anew with a clear conscience and a pure soul. As we approach the auspicious day of 23 April 2024, it serves as a reminder of the virtues of forgiveness, charity, and devotion in the journey of life.

Chaitra Purnima 2024: Legend
There are several stories associated with Chaitra Purnima Vrat Katha. One popular narrative revolves around the story of a king named Chitraratha and his queen, Chaitralekha. According to the legend, Queen Chaitralekha was a devoted wife who observed a strict fast on Chaitra Purnima for the well-being and long life of her husband.

One year, as Chaitra Purnima approached, the queen fell ill and was unable to observe her fast. Distressed by her condition, King Chitraratha decided to observe the fast on her behalf, believing that their devotion and prayers would still be accepted by the gods. He observed the fast with utmost sincerity and devotion, praying for his wife's health and well-being.

Pleased by the king's devotion and selflessness, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and granted his wish for his queen's recovery. Queen Chaitralekha was miraculously cured, and the couple rejoiced in their devotion and the blessings of the gods.

The story of Chaitra Purnima Vrat Katha highlights the importance of devotion, selflessness, and the power of prayers. It is believed that observing a fast on Chaitra Purnima can bring blessings, good health, and prosperity to the devotees. Many people also believe that it helps in purifying the mind and body and leads to spiritual growth.