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About Chithra Pournami

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About Chithra Pournami

Chithra Pournami is the full moon of the Tamil month of Chithirai, in April or May, one of the brightest full moons of the year.

It is dedicated to Chitragupta, who is said to keep the record of every person's good and bad deeds, so people pray and do charity on this day. Lakhs of devotees walk the girivalam path around the Arunachala hill at Thiruvannamalai through the night.

In Madurai the day falls during the great Chithirai festival. Many families share nila soru, a moonlit meal of variety rice, on terraces, beaches and riverbanks.

  • Chithirai full moon (Apr-May)
  • Worship of Chitragupta
  • Giri valam at Tiruvannamalai
  • Tamil Nadu

Where it began

Chithra Pournami means the full moon of Chithirai, the first month of the Tamil year. On this night the moon is in the Chitra star, which gives the day its name.

Legend says Chitragupta was born on this day and serves Yama, writing down the deeds of every person. Devotees pray to him for forgiveness and a good life, and give food and help to others.

One story tells that Indra worshipped Shiva at Madurai on this full moon to be freed from his wrongs, which is why the day is linked to washing away mistakes.

The great tower of the Annamalaiyar templeTiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

How it grew over time

  1. Ancient times

    Full moon days have long been holy in the Tamil calendar, with worship at rivers and temples.

  2. Temple tradition

    Chitragupta temples, such as the one at Kanchipuram, hold special worship on this day.

  3. Medieval period

    Walking around the Arunachala hill on full moon nights grew into a beloved practice.

  4. Today

    Lakhs of devotees walk the giri valam path at Tiruvannamalai on Chithra Pournami night.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Tiruvannamalai

    A huge night walk of about 14 km around the Arunachala hill under the full moon.

  • Kanchipuram

    The Chitragupta temple holds special worship and processions.

  • Madurai

    The day falls in the season of the Chithirai festival and Alagar's journey to the Vaigai.

  • Tamil homes

    Families cook a festive meal and some eat together outdoors in the moonlight.

Chithra Pournami moments

A tower of the Annamalaiyar temple, where the full moon walk beginsTiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
The temple at the foot of the Arunachala hillTiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
A temple tank in an old lantern slideKanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Chithra Pournami today

People visit temples, give food and water to others, and spend the evening outdoors. Many families pack rice dishes and eat together on terraces, beaches or river banks under the bright moon.

How people celebrate Chithra Pournami

  • Girivalam around Arunachala
  • Prayers to Chitragupta
  • Nila soru, a moonlit meal
  • Charity and good deeds
  • Temple visits

How to wish well

  • Send wishes in the evening, as the full moon rises.
  • Moonlight, family meals and good deeds are warm themes.
  • "Chithra Pournami Nalvazhthukal" is the usual Tamil greeting.

Questions about Chithra Pournami

When is Chithra Pournami 2027?

It is the full moon of the Tamil month Chithirai. In 2027 it is expected on 20 April; see the date shown on this page.

Why is Chithra Pournami celebrated?

It honours Chitragupta, keeper of the record of deeds, and is a sacred full moon for prayers, girivalam and charity.

What is girivalam?

Walking around the sacred Arunachala hill at Thiruvannamalai, about 14 km, often through the night of the full moon.

What is nila soru?

A meal shared in the moonlight, usually variety rice, eaten by families on terraces or beaches on Chithra Pournami.

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