In Jainism, Poonam (Purnima – full moon day) is considered a spiritually important tithi (lunar day). Its importance can be understood in a few simple points:

1. Day of extra saadhana (spiritual effort)

On Poonam many Jains try to:

• Do more paath, pratikraman, samayik, jaap
• Visit derasar, listen to pravachan
• Observe upvaas, Ayambil, Paushadh etc.

It is seen as a “uttam din” – a good day to increase dharma and reduce worldly activities.

2. Ahimsa and food discipline

In many Shwetambar families, Poonam is one of the tithi-discipline days (like Aatham, Chaudas, Amas):

• They do not eat green leafy vegetables on Poonam.
• The reason given is: on certain tithis (Aatham, Chaudas, Poonam, Amas) life-activity in plants and small organisms is believed to be higher, so avoiding greens helps reduce himsa and practice extra restraint.

You can read more about this food discipline here and here

3. Special Poonams in the Jain year

Some Poonams have extra importance:

• Kartik Poonam

- Marks the restart of Shatrunjay (Palitana) yatra after Chaturmas. - Many Jains go on tirth yatra, do special pooja of Shatrunjay Giriraj. - Also linked with the belief of many munis attaining moksha there. Read more:

• Chaitri Poonam

- Connected with Lord Shantinath Bhagwan’s kevalgyan in Jain tradition. - Very big Shatrunjay yatra is done; considered a very punya day for upvaas, daan, and bhakti. Read more:

• Bhadarva Sud Poonam

- Falls during the time of Dash Lakshan Parva (mainly Digambar tradition) and is part of that period of strong reflection on ten dharmas (kshama, mardav, arjav, etc.). Read more:

4. Common idea behind Poonam

Across all these:

• Poonam is treated as a strong “dharma day”.
• Jains try to do more punya (dharma, daan, tapas) and less bhog (enjoyment, carelessness).
• It is not for celebration in a worldly way, but for cleansing karmas and strengthening the soul through restraint and devotion.