Paush Purnima 2026 is one of the most spiritually powerful full-moon days in the Hindu calendar. Observed at the culmination of the Paush month, this sacred day marks the beginning of the auspicious Magha austerity period, which holds deep religious, ritualistic, and spiritual importance across North India.
In 2026, Paush Purnima will be observed on Saturday, January 3, and devotees across India will engage in holy baths, charity, lunar worship, and vrata observances to attain spiritual merit and purification.
Paush Purnima 2026 Date and Timings (Ujjain, India)
Paush Purnima is determined according to the lunar calendar and the Purnima Tithi. Below are the precise Panchang timings based on Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:
- Paush Purnima Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:53 PM on 2 January 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 03:32 PM on 3 January 2026
- Moonrise on Purnima Day: 05:17 PM
Note: All timings are calculated in local time for Ujjain, India. As per Panchang tradition, a Hindu day begins and ends with sunrise.
What is Paush Purnima? (Definition and Meaning)
Paush Purnima is the full moon day of the Paush month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It holds special significance because it marks the transition into Magha month, a period dedicated to spiritual discipline, purity, and self-restraint.
From this day onward, devotees begin Magha Snan, a sacred daily early-morning bath observed until Magha Purnima. In North India, this observance is considered highly challenging due to severe winter conditions, making the austerity even more spiritually rewarding.
Spiritual Significance of Paush Purnima
The spiritual essence of Paush Purnima lies in purification and liberation. According to Hindu belief:
- Charity performed during the Magha period yields multiplied spiritual merit
- Holy baths on Paush Purnima help cleanse accumulated karmic impurities
- Observance of vows (vrata) strengthens self-discipline and devotion
Scriptural traditions emphasize that rituals performed on Paush Purnima are easily fructified, making it a highly favorable day for daan (charity), japa, and dhyana.
Paush Purnima Snan: Importance of Holy Bath
One of the most important rituals of Paush Purnima is the holy dip (Snan) in sacred rivers.
The most revered locations include:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Triveni Sangam
It is believed that a ritual bath on Paush Purnima:
- Helps liberate the soul from the cycle of birth and death
- Washes away sins accumulated over lifetimes
- Opens the path toward spiritual awakening
Millions of devotees take part in these sacred baths every year, especially at Prayag during the Magha period.
Chandradeva Arghya and Lunar Worship
Paush Purnima is closely associated with Chandradeva (Moon God) worship. Devotees offer Arghya to the moon after moonrise, seeking mental peace, emotional balance, and relief from afflictions related to the mind.
Women, in particular, perform Purnima rituals praying for:
- Family harmony
- Longevity of loved ones
- Emotional stability and prosperity
Paush Purnima and Shakambhari Jayanti
Paush Purnima also coincides with Shakambhari Jayanti, the sacred appearance day of Goddess Shakambhari, an incarnation of Durga who nourishes the world with vegetation during times of famine.
On this day:
- Special Devi worship is performed
- Devotees offer vegetables and grains as sacred offerings
- Gratitude toward nature and sustenance is emphasized
Vaishnava Traditions and Pushyabhishek Yatra
For followers of ISKCON and the Vaishnava Sampradaya, Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the Pushyabhishek Yatra.
This observance involves:
- Ceremonial bathing of deities
- Devotional singing (kirtan)
- Extended worship during the Magha period
Regional Observances: Cherta Festival in Chhattisgarh
In rural and tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, Paush Purnima is celebrated as Cherta Parv (छेरता पर्व). This indigenous festival reflects:
- Gratitude toward nature
- Community bonding
- Seasonal transition rituals rooted in local tradition
Paush Purnima 2026 is not just a calendar date—it is a gateway into one of the most spiritually charged periods of the Hindu year. From sacred baths and lunar worship to charity and austerity, this day sets the tone for purification, devotion, and inner transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paush Purnima 2026
1.What is the date of Paush Purnima in 2026?
Paush Purnima will be observed on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
2.Why is Paush Purnima important in Hinduism?
It marks the beginning of the Magha austerity period, known for holy baths, charity, and spiritual discipline.
3.When does Purnima Tithi begin and end in 2026?
Purnima Tithi begins at 06:53 PM on 2 January and ends at 03:32 PM on 3 January 2026.
4.What rituals are performed on Paush Purnima?
Key rituals include holy river bath, Chandradeva Arghya, charity, fasting, and devotional worship.
5.Which festivals coincide with Paush Purnima?
Shakambhari Jayanti, Pushyabhishek Yatra, and regional festivals like Cherta Parv are observed on this day.
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