Patna: The month of May 2026 will open with Buddha Purnima and close on a full moon day marked for ritual bathing and charity, according to traditional Hindu almanacs. The period, significant for followers of Sanatan Dharma, includes a series of religious observances such as Narad Jayanti, Apara Ekadashi, Vat Savitri Puja and Ganga Dussehra.
Vaishakh Purnima, observed this year on May 1, coincides with Buddha Purnima. Astrologer Pandit Rakesh Jha, citing Panchang calculations, said the festival falls under the alignment of Swati Nakshatra and Siddhi Yoga, considered auspicious in Hindu tradition. The day is also associated with Kurma Jayanti and the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
Devotees traditionally mark the occasion with ritual bathing and charitable acts. Pilgrims are expected to gather at religious sites such as Haridwar and Kashi, and along the banks of the Ganga, to take a holy dip. Donations of water-filled earthen pots, sesame seeds, ghee, grains, fruits, clothing and other essentials are regarded as acts of spiritual merit.
Religious practices on the day include prayers to Lord Vishnu, offerings of kheer to Lakshmi Narayan, and rituals such as aarti, havan and recitation of peace hymns. Many devotees also observe fasting and perform charitable deeds, believing these acts help mitigate astrological afflictions such as Chandra Dosha.
Later in the month, Vat Savitri Puja will be observed on May 16. Married women traditionally fast and pray for the long life of their husbands. The festival coincides this year with the Bharani and Krittika nakshatras.
Ganga Dussehra, falling on May 26, marks the mythological descent of the river Ganga to Earth. It is observed on the Dashami tithi of the intercalary Jyeshtha month (Adhimas) and is associated with ritual bathing and prayers for purification and prosperity.
The month also includes the beginning of Malmas on May 17, a period considered spiritually significant for prayer and reflection. It concludes with Snan-Dan Purnima on May 31, dedicated to holy bathing and charity.
Key dates in May 2026:
- May 1: Buddha Purnima
- May 3: Narad Jayanti
- May 13: Apara Ekadashi
- May 16: Vat Savitri Puja
- May 17: Start of Malmas
- May 26: Ganga Dussehra
- May 27: Kamala Ekadashi
- May 30: Vrat Purnima
- May 31: Snan-Dan Purnima
The sequence of festivals reflects a month deeply rooted in ritual observance, with an emphasis on charity, fasting and spiritual discipline.
