Paush Purnima 2026 – Rituals, Significance, and Sacred Bath at Prayag Sangam

 

Date & Timing

• Occasion: Paush Purnima (Full Moon Day in Paush month)
• Hindu Calendar Month: Paush
• Gregorian Calendar: December–January
• Next Observance: January 3, 2026 (Saturday)

Spiritual Significance

• Core Belief: Bathing in sacred rivers on Paush Purnima absolves sins and grants moksha (liberation)
• Transition Marker: Ends winter and begins Magh Snan rituals
• Associated Events:
• Maha Kumbh Mela cycle begins
• Shakambari Jayanti (Durga’s avatar) celebrated in some regions
• Charta Festival observed by tribal communities in Chhattisgarh

Rituals & Observances

• Snan (Holy Bath):
• Performed at sunrise in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati
• Prime locations: Prayag Sangam, Nasik, Ujjain, Allahabad
• Sun Worship: Offering argya to the rising sun
• Shiva Worship: Abhishekam of Shiv Lingam and sadhana
• Vishnu Worship:
• Satyanarayana Vratam and Katha recitation
• Fasting and distribution of prasadam
• Krishna Temples: Pushyabhishek Yatra observed
• Scriptural Events: Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita lectures
• Charity & Service:
• Anna Daan (free meals)
• Donations and service to the needy

Regional Celebrations

• Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Paush Purnima overlaps with Thiruvadhirai Vrata
• Chhattisgarh: Charta Festival – tribal harvest celebration
• North India: Start of Magh Snan and Kalpvas rituals