Pausha Month 2025–26: Dates, Festivals, and Spiritual Insights

Pushya Masam, also known as Pausha Maas, is a spiritually significant month in the Hindu calendar, typically spanning mid-December to mid-January. While it is not considered auspicious for marriages or Gruha Pravesham, it is deeply revered for spiritual practices, temple visits, and scriptural learning.

Spiritual Significance

Kharmas Period: The Sun transits into Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius), initiating a phase of spiritual austerity.
Worship of Surya and Vishnu: Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God and Lord Vishnu for health, prosperity, and moksha.
Charity & Bathing Rituals: Holy dips in rivers and giving alms are considered highly meritorious.

Rituals & Practices

Daily Surya Namaskar and Arghya: Offering water to the rising sun.
Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana: Reciting 1000 names of Vishnu.
Temple Visits: Especially to Vishnu and Surya temples.
Annadanam & Vastra Daanam: Donating food and clothes to the needy.
Pausha Purnima Snan: Considered highly sacred, especially at holy rivers like Ganga and Godavari.

North Indian Calendar (Purnimanta System)

Start Date: December 5, 2025
End Date: January 3, 2026

In this system, the month begins the day after Margashirsha Purnima and ends on Pausha Purnima. This calendar is followed in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

South Indian Calendar (Amanta System)

Start Date: December 20, 2025
End Date: January 18, 2026

Here, the month begins the day after Margashirsha Amavasya and ends on Pausha Amavasya. This system is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Important Festivals in Pausha Month

Pausha is a spiritually charged month, especially for Surya and Vishnu worship. While auspicious ceremonies like weddings are avoided due to Kharmas, the month is filled with vrata-based observances and devotional festivals:

Saphala Ekadashi – A fast for success and spiritual merit.
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi – Prayers for progeny and family well-being.
Pausha Purnima – A sacred day for river bathing and the start of Magha austerities.
Shakambhari Navaratri – Dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who nourishes the earth.
Masik Shivaratri – Monthly observance for Lord Shiva.
Somvati Amavasya – When Amavasya falls on a Monday, ideal for ancestral offerings.

These festivals emphasize inner purification, charity, and devotion, rather than external celebration.

Scriptures to Read During Pausha Maas

Bhagavad Gita – Especially chapters on karma yoga and bhakti yoga.
Vishnu Sahasranama – Recitation brings peace and divine grace.
Aditya Hridayam – A powerful hymn to Surya, traditionally read during this month.
Shiva Purana (Rudra Samhita) – For those observing Masik Shivaratri.
Shakambhari Stotra or Devi Mahatmya – During Shakambhari Navaratri.

Temple Visits and Pilgrimage Suggestions

Pausha is a perfect time for quiet temple visits, especially to those dedicated to Surya, Vishnu, and Shakti:

Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) – A majestic tribute to Surya Bhagavan.
Suryanar Koil (Tamil Nadu) – A Navagraha temple focused on Surya.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple – Ideal for Vaikuntha Ekadashi darshan.
Shakambhari Devi Temple (Saharanpur) – Celebrates the goddess of nourishment.
Local Shiva temples – For Masik Shivaratri and Pradosham observances.

Why No Auspicious Muhurats?

During Pushya Masam, Kharmas (Dhanurmasam) is in effect, a period when the Sun transits Sagittarius. As per tradition, no major life events like weddings or housewarmings are performed. Instead, the focus shifts to inner purification, devotion, and austerity.

Paush Purnima: The Day of Vedic Awakening

Paush Purnima is celebrated as an ideal day to begin Vedic studies and mantra chanting. Brahmins and spiritual seekers consider it a gateway to divine wisdom. River bathing (Nadi Snanam) on this day is believed to cleanse sins and elevate spiritual merit.

Paryaya Festival at Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

One of the most iconic events of Pushya Masam is the Paryaya Festival held at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Celebrated every two years in even-numbered years, the next Paryaya will be on January 18, 2026. During this ritual, the administration and puja rights of the temple are ceremonially handed over to the next Swamiji of the Ashta Mathas, following traditions established by Sri Madhvacharya.

Charity and Sankramanam Rituals

Pushya Masam encourages donation of food, clothes, and essentials to the needy. During Sankramanam, devotees observe Nadi Snanam—a sacred river bath that marks the Sun’s transition and invokes blessings for health and purity.