2022 Paush Purnima

Paush Purnima is a significant day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the beginning of a month-long austerity period which is observed during Magha month. In the lunar calendar followed in North India Magha month starts from the next day of Paush Purnima.

During Magha Mahina, people take early morning baths in the Ganga or in the Yamuna throughout the month. The tough winter season in the North makes the austerity period more difficult. The daily bathing starts from Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima. It is believed that all charity work done during this time are fructified easily. Hence people offer charity to the needy according to their capacity.

The holy dip at Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi and Triveni Sangam at Prayag is considered highly auspicious and important on Paush Purnima day. It is believed that the holy dip on the auspicious day of Paush Purnima liberates the soul from the continuous cycle of birth and death.

Shakambhari Jayanti is also observed during Paush Purnima. The followers of ISKCON and Vaishnava Sampradaya start Pushyabhishek Yatra on this day.

Tribes living in rural parts of Chhattisgarh celebrate Charta festival (छेरता पर्व) on Paush Purnima day.