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. Holi the one of the most significant and popular Hindu festivals is observed during Phalguna Purnima. The day also coincides with Lakshmi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Phalguna Purnima is also known as Vasanta Purnima, as this Purnima coincides with Vasanta Ritu out of total 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 Holika Dahan but the legend associated with Kama Dahanam is different than 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).