Paush Purnima 2026

Full Date

2 January 2026 Evening 6:53 PM – 3 January 2026 Afternoon 3:32 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Paush Purnima Begins

  Paush Purnima Tithi begins in the evening on January 2, marking the start of the full moon observance.

  2 January 2026 6:53 PM – 2 January 2026 6:53 PM

• Purnima Tithi Ends

  The tithi concludes in the afternoon of January 3; main puja and snan after sunrise are most auspicious.

  3 January 2026 3:32 PM – 3 January 2026 3:32 PM

Introduction

Paush Purnima, the full moon day of the Paush month, marks the beginning of the Magh month in the Hindu calendar. It holds special spiritual value for bathing in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Shakambari on this day.

Other Names

Pausha Purnima, Purnima Snan, Shakambari Jayanti

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake early and take a holy dip before sunrise.
• Set up the altar with idols or photos of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Shakambari.
• Offer water, tulsi leaves, and sesame seeds during prayer.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and Shakambari Stotram.
• Conclude the puja with donation and feeding the needy.

Rituals

• Take a dip in sacred rivers during sunrise for purification.
• Offer Arghya to Lord Surya after bath and worship the Moon in the evening.
• Perform Satyanarayan Katha and offer food to Brahmins and the poor.
• Worship Goddess Shakambari with green vegetables and fruits.
• Begin the holy Kalpavas period for month-long spiritual retreat.

Regional Highlights

• In Prayagraj, Paush Purnima marks the first holy bath of Magh Mela.
• At Haridwar, devotees gather along the Ganga for special evening aarti.
• In Rajasthan, Shakambari Mata temples celebrate the annual fair.
• Thousands of Kalpavasis begin their month-long spiritual vow from this day.

History

Scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Purana texts mention Paush Purnima as an auspicious day for cleansing the soul through charity, fasting, and holy dips. It also commemorates Goddess Shakambari, who nourished the world with vegetation during a great famine.

Additional Information

• Paush Purnima marks the balance of Sun and Moon energies as per astrology.
• It signifies purification, charity, and new beginnings.
• It connects deeply with the start of the Kalpavas ritual at the Magh Mela.