Chitra Purnima – 23 April 2024
The Chitra Purnima or the Chitirai Purnima, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Chitragupta, who is the divine accountant and assistant of Lord Yama, the God of Death. Mostly observed in Tamil Nadu, the day falls on the Purnima or the full moon day of the Chitirai month of the Tamil Calendar. In 2024, Chitra Purnima is on April 23.
The day is very auspicious as the full moon and Chitra star come together on this day. On April 23, the sun rises at 05:55 AM and sets at 06:19 PM. The Purnima Tithi commences at 03:26 AM on April 23rd and ends at 05:18 AM the following day.
As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that when a person dies, Chitragupta assesses the deeds of the person and declares whether he is a good or a bad soul. Devotees worship Chitragupta on this day asking forgiveness for all the sins they have committed. The day is also dedicated to the worship of Lord Indra, the Lord of Gods.
The day is considered very powerful in getting rid of bad karma and consolidating good karma. Special pujas are conducted in temples during the day, and devotees worship Chitragupta with dedication and honor as they believe that the lord would erase all their bad deeds and help them to lead a truthful life. Reading the stories of Lord Indra and Lord Brihaspati is also considered meritorious on this day.
May everyone’s bad deeds be erased and be exalted to lead a truthful life with the blessings of Lord Chitragupta.
(The mentioned timings are in IST, for Chennai. Click here to change the location.)