Chitra pournami is a special day observed by tamil people on the full moon day of the tamil month chithirai (April–May). Each month, the full moon occurs under a specific star. In the month of Chithirai, the pournami falls under chithirai nakshatra. It is the first pournami after Tamil New Year. It holds spiritual importance, especially in South India, and is associated with Lord Chitragupta, the celestial accountant of dharma and karma.
Chitra Pournami Date and Time 2025:
Chitra Pournami 2025 – Date and Tithi (Vakya Panchangam)
Chitra Pournami will be observed on Monday, May 12, 2025.
- Pournami Tithi Begins: 8:47 PM on May 11, 2025
- Pournami Tithi Ends: 10:45 PM on May 12, 2025
Significance of Chitra Pournami
This auspicious day is closely associated with Lord Chitragupta, the celestial accountant appointed by Yama, the god of death. Lord Chitragupta is believed to keep records of every individual’s karma—both virtues and sins. According to legend, Chitragupta was created by Goddess Parvati in the form of a divine painting, and later, he was born through Gomatha Kamadhenu on this very day.
Worshipping Lord Chitragupta on Chitra Pournami is believed to help devotees lead a righteous life by becoming more conscious of their actions. It is also said to help in cleansing sins and earning spiritual merit.
On this sacred day, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan, and Goddess Shakti. Worshipping these deities on Chitra Pournami is believed to bestow blessings for clarity, protection, and spiritual growth.
Temples across Tamil Nadu celebrate Vasantha Utsavam (Spring Festival), and a special dish called Chithirai Kanji (a traditional porridge) is prepared and distributed among devotees. People also visit their family deity temples (Kula Deivam) to offer special prayers.
Chithirai festival
In Madurai, Chitra Pournami marks the grand culmination of the Chithirai Festival. The highlight of the day is the legendary moment when Kallazhagar (Lord Vishnu in the form of Alagar) rises and reenacts his symbolic journey to bless his devotees. Thousands of people gather to witness this divine spectacle.
Astrological Importance
Chitra Pournami occurs when the Moon aligns with the Chitra Nakshatra (Spica star). It is believed that the rays of the Chitra Pournami full moon have divine energy that can cleanse the aura and improve mental clarity. Devotees perform moonlight prayers and meditate to absorb the moon’s energy.
Rituals and Celebrations on Chitra Pournami
Morning Rituals:
Begin the day by lighting a lamp and offering prayers to Lord ganesh and your family deity (Kuladeivam). Visit
Prepare special naivedyam offerings such as sweet pongal, curd rice, and lemon rice during the morning puja. Share the prasadam with your neighbours and family, spreading joy and blessings
Evening Rituals:
As dusk approaches, light a lamp in the puja room and also place two clay oil lamps (agal vilakku) at the entrance of your home to invite positive energy. Offer incense (dhoopam) and light (deepam) to the deities once again. . If possible, gather the entire family for a collective prayer session—it enhances the spiritual vibration of the home.
For the evening naivedyam, prepare a special dish using legumes like sundal. You can also include traditional sweets such as kesari, sweet pongal, or aval payasam.
Chandra Darshanam:
A major highlight of Chitra Pournami is Chandra Darshanam—the viewing of the full moon. After completing the evening rituals, step out onto your doorstep or terrace, gaze at the moon, and offer heartfelt prayers. Following this, share the naivedyam with your family and neighbours, fostering a sense of togetherness and goodwill. Worshipping Chandra, the Moon God, on this auspicious night is believed to absolve sins and bring mental peace and emotional clarity.
Girivalam (circumambulation)
On Chitra Pournami, devotees undertake Girivalam (circumambulation) around temples dedicated to deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. Prominent Girivalam temples include the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Palani Murugan Temple, which is devoted to Lord Murugan.
Spiritual Significance of the Full Moon
In Hinduism, the full moon is seen as a time of mental clarity and emotional healing. Chitra Pournami, being the first full moon after the Tamil New Year, represents:
- New beginnings
- Letting go of karmic baggage
- Aligning with divine will
This Chitra Pournami, take time to honour the cosmic balance of karma, offer prayers with devotion, and cherish the age-old rituals passed down through generations. Celebrate the day with your family—prepare traditional offerings, gather for prayer under the moonlight, and share in the joy of togetherness. Let the blessings of Lord Chitragupta and the radiant moon guide your path toward righteousness and spiritual growth.