The October full moon in 2026 falls on Monday, October 26. The monument’s night-viewing policy permits visitors to see the Taj Mahal after dark on the full moon night and two nights before and after, with the exception of Fridays and Ramzan.
That creates the following expected night-viewing window for October 2026: October 24-28 (subject to confirmation via the official ticket system).
One potentially confusing factor with the full moon in October 2026 is the date of Sharad Purnima.
Some Hindu calendars associate the full moon day with October 25, 2026, as the Purnima tithi (lunar day) runs from October 25 to 26. However, astronomers mark October 26 as the actual full moon date.
It is always best to use the Taj Mahal’s official policy for night visits rather than general lunar holidays when booking a trip to see the monument after dark.
Taj Mahal Full Moon Night Dates October 2026
Here is the anticipated window for night viewing of the monument:
| Date | Day | Taj Mahal night viewing |
|---|---|---|
| 24 October 2026 | Saturday | Expected night viewing |
| 25 October 2026 | Sunday | Expected night viewing |
| 26 October 2026 | Monday | Full moon night |
| 27 October 2026 | Tuesday | Expected night viewing |
| 28 October 2026 | Wednesday | Expected night viewing |
The Taj Mahal website says that night viewing is permitted on five days: the full moon itself, and two days before and after, with the exception of Fridays.
Travel Tip: Check the official website for current night viewing hours and ticketing information, as these can change.
What is the full moon date in October 2026?
The full moon in October 2026 occurs on Monday, October 26. Timeanddate lists the date of the full moon in India for October 2026 as October 26, and other lunar calendars also mark October 26 as the astronomical full moon date.
October 26, 2026, falls close to the Hindu holiday of Sharad Purnima, which celebrates the harvest moon in autumn.
The Purnima tithi (lunar day) for this year’s Sharad Purnima begins on October 25 and ends on the morning of October 26 according to Hindu calendars in Delhi.
It is always best to use the Taj Mahal’s official policy for night visits rather than general lunar holidays when booking a trip to see the monument after dark.
Full Moon Taj Mahal Night Viewing Timings
The Taj Mahal’s night viewing hours are significantly shorter than the daytime visit.
According to the official website, night viewing hours are from 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM, with visitors split into eight viewing batches of up to 50 people, with each batch able to stay for 30 minutes.
The ASI Agra Circle visitor information page actually lists night viewing hours as going until 12:30 AM:
- 8:30 PM–9:00 PM
- 9:00 PM–9:30 PM
- 9:30 PM–10:00 PM
- 10:00 PM–10:30 PM
- 10:30 PM–11:00 PM
- 11:00 PM–11:30 PM
- 11:30 PM–12:00 AM
- 12:00 AM–12:30 AM
The ASI Agra Circle page states that visitors must report to Shilpgram near the Eastern Gate 30 minutes before their viewing slot to undergo security screening.
Since the government website and ASI Agra Circle page display different end times for night viewing, always refer to the full moon taj mahal tickets you receive when booking.
How many visitors can view the Taj Mahal at night full moon?
The capacity for night viewing is much lower than regular daytime visits to the monument.
The Taj Mahal website states that 400 visitors can be admitted for night viewing in eight viewing slots of 50 visitors each. Each slot is 30 minutes long.
It is essential to book well in advance, as these slots can fill up quickly.
Visitors are also strongly advised not to make travel arrangements to reach Agra on the day of the night viewing.
Make sure to double-check that the date you have chosen is available for night viewing.
How to Book Taj Mahal Night Viewing Tickets
The Taj Mahal website offers an online ticketing option for night viewing.
Its FAQ also states that night viewing tickets can be purchased from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office at 22 Mall Road, Agra, one day in advance.
The ASI Agra Circle page also has information about night viewing and says that visitors must carry identification with them.
There is a slight discrepancy between older ASI information and the new online ticketing instructions regarding how far in advance visitors can book.
An ASI notice about night viewing from earlier this year said that online bookings would open seven days in advance, whereas the current Taj Mahal FAQ says full moon taj mahal tickets can be purchased one day in advance.
For a visit to the Taj Mahal in October 2026, this means:
- Check official Taj Mahal website for night viewing availability
- Check ASI ticket portal in advance of your intended travel date
- Confirm that the date you wish to visit is open for night viewing
- Check the time slot you have selected
- Bring the identification you used to make the booking with you
- Arrive at the designated reporting point at least 30 minutes prior to your viewing slot
Official Taj Mahal night viewing information
ASI Indian Heritage Ticket Portal
Where do you enter the monument for night viewing?
Night visitors must report to the Eastern Gate area.
The ASI Agra Circle page states that visitors reporting for night viewing should go to the Shilpgram complex near the Eastern Gate.
It is important to note that visitors cannot simply turn up for a night viewing of the Taj Mahal.
They must have a ticket and arrive at the reporting point 30 minutes before their designated slot to undergo security screening.
What can visitors bring inside the monument?
There are more restrictions for night viewing than there are for standard daytime tours of the Taj Mahal.
The ASI Agra Circle page lists several categories of items that are not permitted inside the monument, including:
- Food
- Large bags and briefcases
- Drones
- Weapons
- Explosives
- Smoking items
- Inflammable materials
- Helmets
- Torches
- Religious items
- Certain tools and other objects
The ASI also specifically mentions that video cameras are not permitted during night viewing.
Visitors should carry as few personal items as possible and ensure they have the correct identification with them.
Can visitors take photos during the night viewing?
Photography is more restricted during night viewing than it is during the day.
The ASI Agra Circle page specifically mentions that video cameras are not permitted during night viewing.
It is important to understand that night viewing of the Taj Mahal is a controlled experience.
Do not plan your visit around the opportunity to take professional-quality photographs, and always ensure that you are following the most up-to-date guidelines, as they can change.
If photography is important to you, consider making the daytime visit to the Taj Mahal, when you will have more opportunities to capture high-quality images of the white marble, intricate inlay work, garden landscapes and reflecting pool.
How to Plan an Agra Trip around the Full Moon
If you are travelling to Agra to see the Taj Mahal on the night of the full moon, it makes sense to leave plenty of time to make the most of your visit.
Consider staying overnight in Agra rather than visiting the Taj Mahal as a day trip.
Here is one option for spending two days in Agra to see the Taj Mahal on the night of the full moon:
Day 1: Arrive in Agra
Arrive in Agra in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.
Use the evening to explore a local area or relax in preparation for your night viewing.
Day 2: Taj Mahal and Agra heritage sites
Arrive at the Taj Mahal in time for the daytime visit if your schedule allows.
After visiting the monument, you could also see another Agra tourist attraction before returning for your night viewing slot.
The Agra district administration lists the following places of historical interest in Agra:
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Fatehpur Sikri
If you are visiting on 26 October
The full moon falls on Monday, 26 October 2026.
However, you do not have to visit on the night of the full moon: the Taj Mahal’s night viewing policy actually allows for five days of viewing.
That means you will have some flexibility if you are arranging transport to Agra.
What is the best date for Taj Mahal full moon night viewing?
If you have the opportunity to choose, the best date to see the full moon at Taj Mahal is October 26.
This is the actual full moon Taj Mahal night, so you will get the best view of the monument illuminated by moonlight.
However, the Taj Mahal night-viewing policy actually allows for five days of viewing around the full moon, two days before and after.
If you are visiting Agra anyway, it might make sense to plan your hotel and railway tickets around the other available nights for night viewing in case your preferred slot is full.
Weather conditions can also play a part in the decision, as a clear night will give you a much better view of the monument than a cloudy or hazy night would.
Taj Mahal Night View vs Day Visit
A full moon night visit and a day visit to the Taj Mahal offer two different experiences for visitors.
| Day visit | Full-moon night visit |
|---|---|
| Longer visiting period | 30-minute controlled slot |
| Larger visitor capacity | Maximum 400 visitors |
| Better for architectural details | Better for the moonlit atmosphere |
| Normal monument entry | Separate night-viewing ticket |
| More freedom to explore | Restricted viewing area |
| Easier photography conditions | Stricter photography rules |
If you have the time to make both types of visit, it is definitely worth seeing the Taj Mahal twice.
If you only have time to make one visit, choose the daytime visit to give yourself the opportunity to admire the intricate architecture and design.
Important Tips Before Booking
Use this information to help you plan your visit to the Taj Mahal:
- The astronomical full moon in October 2026 falls on October 26.
- Do not confuse the full moon with Sharad Purnima, as the dates for this Hindu festival can vary.
- The Taj Mahal’s night-viewing rule states that the monument will be open to visitors on the night of the full moon and two days before and after, excluding Fridays.
- The Taj Mahal night-viewing ticket system can change, so always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
- Always bring a form of identification with you.
- Report for security screening 30 minutes before your viewing slot.
- Do not bring any restricted items with you to the monument.
- Leave yourself plenty of time to make your way to the monument, as night viewing slots fill up quickly.
- Make sure to keep your accommodation and transport flexible for the time of your night viewing.
Final word
Any visitor considering a night viewing of the Taj Mahal on the night of the full moon in October 2026 should note that the date of the full moon is October 26.
The expected window for night viewing around the full moon in October 2026 is 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 October (subject to confirmation via the official ticket system).
The most important thing to remember about a night viewing is that it requires a separate ticket and is much more strictly controlled than daytime visits.
If you are visiting Agra anyway, take the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal both during the day and at night to experience both the intricate architecture and the magical atmosphere of the monument.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full moon in October 2026 falls on Monday, October 26.
25 October falls within the expected two-days-before-to-two-days-after window for night viewing around the full moon on 26 October. Always check the date on your ticket before travelling.
The expected window for night viewing of the full moon at the Taj Mahal in October 2026 is 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 October. Always check the official website to confirm.
No, night viewing is only available for the full moon period. The Taj Mahal’s official rule states that the monument will be open to night visitors on the night of the full moon and two days before and after, with the exception of Fridays.
The Taj Mahal website says that night viewing is available from 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM in eight 30-minute viewing slots. The ASI Agra Circle page actually lists viewing slots that go until 12:30 AM, so always check your ticket for the most accurate information.
The Taj Mahal frequently asked question page says that a maximum of 400 visitors will be allowed for night viewing, in eight viewing slots of 50 people each.
No, the Taj Mahal is closed to normal visitors on Fridays, and night viewing is also not permitted on this day. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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