Paush Purnima is an important Hindu festival observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Paush month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in December–January. This auspicious day marks the beginning of the sacred Magha month in North India and is considered extremely powerful for spiritual practices, holy bathing, charity and self-discipline.
Paush Purnima holds deep significance for devotees across India, especially in holy cities like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Ayodhya, where lakhs of pilgrims gather to take a ritual dip in sacred rivers.
Date & Timing – 2026
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Festival: Paush Purnima
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Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026
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Month: Paush (Full Moon Day)
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Season: Peak winter
Significance of Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima is a day of purification, renewal and devotion. According to Hindu belief, taking a holy dip in sacred rivers on this day washes away sins, reduces the burden of past karma and helps the soul move closer to liberation.
This day also marks the start of Kalpwas and the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, making it one of the most spiritually charged days of the winter pilgrimage season.
Paush Purnima is believed to be especially favourable for:
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Spiritual cleansing
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Charity and donations
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Worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and the Moon God
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Beginning a disciplined spiritual lifestyle
Rituals and Traditions
1. Holy Bath (Snan)
Devotees wake up before sunrise and take a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The most famous bathing spots are:
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Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj
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Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
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Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
This ritual is believed to cleanse the body, mind and soul.
2. Beginning of Kalpwas
From Paush Purnima onwards, many devotees begin Kalpwas, a month-long period of austerity during the Magha month. Kalpwasis live in simple tents on riverbanks, follow strict discipline, take daily holy baths, eat simple food, meditate, and attend religious discourses.
It is considered a powerful spiritual practice and attracts thousands of elderly devotees and spiritual seekers every year.
3. Fasting and Worship
Many people observe a Purnima Vrat (fast) on this day. After the holy bath, devotees perform:
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Puja of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
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Worship of Chandra (Moon God)
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Recitation of Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Vishnu Sahasranama
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Evening aarti and moon दर्शन (sighting of the full moon)
4. Charity and Daan
Paush Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious days for daan (charity). Devotees donate:
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Food and grains
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Clothes and blankets
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Money to temples and ashrams
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Items to the poor, saints and Kalpwasis
Feeding the needy (Anna Daan) is considered especially sacred on this day.
Shakambari Jayanti
Paush Purnima also marks Shakambari Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Goddess Shakambari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped as the provider of food and nourishment.
According to legend, when the world suffered from a long drought, Goddess Durga appeared as Shakambari and provided vegetation, fruits and food to save living beings. Devotees offer vegetables, fruits and simple satvik food in her honour.
Charita Puja and Regional Celebrations
In parts of Chhattisgarh and eastern India, Paush Purnima is also celebrated as Charita Puja. People prepare traditional sweets made of til (sesame), jaggery and rice and share them with family and neighbours.
In many villages:
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Folk songs and dances are performed
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Community feasts are organised
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Married women pray for the long life of their families
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Satyanarayan Katha is conducted in homes and temples
Paush Purnima and Magh Mela
Paush Purnima officially begins the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in India. From this day till Mahashivratri, lakhs of devotees stay on the riverbanks, take daily holy dips and participate in spiritual activities.
The riverfront becomes a temporary spiritual city with:
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Tents and ashrams
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Akharas and saints’ camps
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Discourses, bhajans and satsangs
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Community kitchens and charity stalls
Spiritual Meaning
Paush Purnima symbolises:
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Letting go of past burdens
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Starting a disciplined and pure life
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Moving from darkness towards inner light
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Connecting with nature, water and cosmic energy
The full moon of Paush is considered especially powerful for mental peace and spiritual clarity.
Travel Experience: What to See & Do
1. Sunrise Bathing at Ghats
Witness thousands of devotees chanting mantras as they enter the river at dawn – a deeply moving and powerful sight.
2. Kalpwas Settlements
Explore the temporary tent colonies at Prayagraj and observe the simple, disciplined lifestyle of Kalpwasis.
3. Temple Visits
Visit famous temples in Varanasi, Haridwar, Ayodhya and Prayagraj decorated with lamps, flowers and incense.
4. Evening Aarti
Attend Ganga Aarti in Varanasi or Haridwar – the atmosphere is peaceful, devotional and unforgettable.
5. Local Food & Sweets
Taste winter specialties like til ladoos, khichdi, kheer and regional sweets offered during the festival.
How Youth Celebrate Today
Today’s youth participate by:
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Volunteering in charity camps and food distribution
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Joining cleanliness drives near ghats
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Taking part in spiritual retreats and yoga sessions
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Sharing awareness about the festival through social media and photography
Many young travellers visit Prayagraj and Varanasi during Paush Purnima to experience India’s living spiritual heritage.
Tips for Visitors
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Reach early in the morning to witness rituals peacefully
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Wear warm clothes as January mornings are cold
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Respect local customs and bathing zones
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Carry minimal belongings near ghats
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Book hotels in advance due to heavy pilgrim rush
Why Paush Purnima is Special
Paush Purnima is not just a festival – it is a spiritual turning point. It marks the start of a sacred month, encourages discipline, compassion and inner cleansing, and brings together millions of people in faith and devotion.
For travellers, it offers a rare chance to witness India’s deep spiritual traditions in their purest form.
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