When is Purim 2026?
Complete Purim dates, times, and celebration guide
Purim Begins
Monday, March 2, 2026
at sundown (14 Adar 5786)
Purim Ends
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
at nightfall
Key Purim 2026 Dates
Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther)
Monday, March 2, 2026 (dawn to nightfall)
First Megillah Reading (Evening)
Monday night, March 2, 2026 (after sunset)
Second Megillah Reading (Morning)
Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026
Mishloach Manot & Matanot L'Evyonim
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (during the day)
Purim Seudah (Feast)
Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2026
Shushan Purim
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (Jerusalem and walled cities)
About Purim
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman's plot to destroy them. The story is recorded in the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther), which tells how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai saved their people.
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
- Megillah Reading - Listening to the Book of Esther read aloud, twice (evening and morning)
- Mishloach Manot - Sending food gifts to friends (at least 2 foods to 1 person)
- Matanot L'Evyonim - Giving charity to at least 2 poor people
- Seudah - Enjoying a festive Purim meal
Purim Customs
- Costumes - Dressing up in costumes and masks
- Hamantaschen - Eating triangular filled cookies
- Groggers - Using noisemakers when Haman's name is read
- Drinking - Traditional celebration with wine
- Purim Shpiel - Comic plays and performances
Fast of Esther
The day before Purim, we observe Ta'anit Esther (Fast of Esther), commemorating the three-day fast that Esther called before approaching the king. The fast begins at dawn and ends at nightfall when Purim begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shushan Purim is celebrated one day after regular Purim in cities that were walled in the time of Joshua (mainly Jerusalem). This commemorates the extra day of fighting in Shushan, the Persian capital.
Yes, the Megillah must be heard twice - once at night and once during the day. Both readings are equally important mitzvot.
Mishloach Manot (food gifts) must be given during the day of Purim, not at night. You should send at least two different ready-to-eat foods to at least one person.