Paush Purnima, the initial full moon of the Hindu lunar calendar in 2026, will be observed on Saturday, coinciding with the year’s first supermoon known as the ‘Wolf Supermoon.’ This bright celestial event is expected to illuminate the night sky, appearing larger and brighter than a typical full Moon as it rises opposite the Sun in the Gemini constellation.
The Wolf Supermoon, also called a supermoon, occurs when a full Moon aligns with perigee, the point in the Moon’s elliptical orbit closest to Earth. This proximity results in the Moon appearing 6 to 14 percent larger and 13 to 30 percent brighter than usual. January’s full Moon, known as the Wolf Moon, is steeped in folklore and cultural significance in the Northern Hemisphere.
On January 3, the Moon will be approximately 362,000 km from Earth, making it appear significantly larger and brighter than when at its farthest point. The Wolf Moon is expected to rise at 3:32 PM IST on Saturday, with its peak illumination occurring on the same day. Astronomically, a full Moon happens when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun, allowing its entire visible surface to be lit up.
Paush Purnima holds great religious importance, with devotees engaging in various spiritual activities such as holy baths, fasting, prayers, and charitable deeds. This day falls within the auspicious Paush month, particularly significant for spiritual practices during the winter season.
