Magha Masam 2026: Dates, Festivals, Snanam Rituals & Spiritual Significance

Spiritual Significance

• Magha in Sanskrit: Ma (not present) + Agha (sin) = freedom from sin.
• The month is ideal for marriages, Gruhapravesam, and auspicious functions.
• Magha Snanam (early morning river bath) is highly meritorious and purifying.
• Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Surya Bhagavan, and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped.
• Believed to be the birth month of Surya, Saraswati, and Shiva as Linga.
• Charity (Dana) and Satvik living are emphasized throughout the month.

Magha Masam Dates – 2026

Region	Start Date	End Date
North India	January 3, 2026	February 1, 2026
South India	January 19, 2026	February 17, 2026

Key Festivals in Magha Masam

Vasantha Panchami
Ratha Saptami
Bhishma Ashtami
Magha Purnima
Maha Shivaratri

Rituals & Observances

• Magha Snanam:
• Bathing in rivers before sunrise, especially in Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna.
• If inaccessible, use Gangajal mixed in well water.
• Daily Puja:
• Worship of Shiva Linga, Surya, and Vishnu.
• Recitation of Aditya Hridayam, Suryashtakam, Vishnu Sahasranama, and Rudram.
• Charity & Dana:
• Donating clothes, food, sesame, and money to Brahmins and the needy.
• Magha Masa Adivarala Nomu:
• A regional Saturday vrata observed in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Health Benefits:
• Cold water bathing improves circulation, skin health, and mental clarity.
• Sea and river baths are believed to have medicinal properties.

Mythological Associations

• Saraswati Devi is believed to have manifested during Magha Masam.
• Surya Bhagavan’s chariot turns northward (Uttarayana) during this month.
• Shiva as Linga is said to have appeared on Magha Purnima.
• Vishwamitra’s Kumbh Snanam is believed to have occurred in 2382 BCE on Magha Purnima.