Paush Purnima, also known as Shakambhari Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon day of Paush. This day is among the holiest days for observing a fast. According to Hindu beliefs, a fast on an auspicious day is an honor and one of the best ways to observe a spiritual fast.
Importance of Paush Purnima Vrat
Paush Purnima is also known as Makar Sankranti Paush Purnima, as it marks the beginning of the Sun’s transit into the Capricorn sign (Makar Rashi). It is believed that on this day, one receives the special blessings of Goddess Shakambhari and Lord Vishnu. Goddess Shakambhari is believed to be the goddess of food grains; hence, donating food on this day holds a lot of significance.
In this festival, Lord Moon is worshipped as his full form is visible in the sky, which is full of his divine energy. It is said that on Paush Purnima, the perks of taking sacred baths, donating, and meditating multiply manifold.
Alongside Paush Purnima, the holy month of Kalpavas starts at Prayagraj. For the whole month, thousands of people live a simple and disciplined life on the riverbanks of the Triveni Sangam. They spend their time praying, practicing self-control, and helping others.
People believe that sincerely following Kalpavas washes away all past regressions and sets the soul on the path to salvation.
Who Should Observe Paush Purnima Fasting?
This fasting is mainly practiced by the devotees to gain peace and spiritual cleansing. It holds much more significance for individuals seeking relief from the negative effects of the moon in their horoscopes. Also, those who wish to gain merit and extinguish their past transgressions should also observe the Paush Purnima Vrat.
According to religious beliefs, dipping in holy rivers like the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Narmada on this day washes away the sins of many past lives and cleanses one’s heart. Pilgrims unable to take a journey for a holy bath can mix Ganga Jal in their bathwater.
Paush Purnima 2026: Date and Time
In 2026, Paush Purnima will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Purnima Tithi starts at 6:53 PM on January 2, 2026, and ends at 3:32 PM on January 3, 2026.
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Paush Purnima Date | January 3, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 06:53 PM on Jan 02, 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 03:32 PM on Jan 03, 2026 |
| Abhijit Muhurat (Best for Puja) | 12:04 PM to 12:46 PM |
Paush Purnima Vrat Rituals for 2026
The devotees undergo a series of tasks, beginning with a bathing process to cleanse themselves before sunrise and then pray to the Sun God with water offerings (arghya). Then, set up an altar after cleansing and decorating Puja Ghar with the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi. Offer flowers and light a ghee diya, reciting Vishnu mantras with offerings like fruits, sweets, and charitable items.
Conclusion of the Ceremony
The traditional ending of the observance is marked by the chanting or listening of the Satyanarayan Katha (story), followed by the aarti ritual. This serves as the culmination of all spiritual practices of the day. Listed are the commonly chanted Mantras on the Paush Purnima festival:
- Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
- Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
- Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namaha
- Om Shreem Shreem Kamal Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
- Om Shreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namaha
FAQs
What is the significance of Paush Purnima Vrat?
Paush Purnima Vrat is significant for spiritual cleansing and gaining peace. It is believed to bestow blessings from Goddess Shakambhari and Lord Vishnu. Observing this fast is said to multiply the benefits of sacred baths, donations, and meditation.
When is Paush Purnima celebrated in 2026?
In 2026, Paush Purnima will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3. The Purnima Tithi starts at 6:53 PM on January 2 and ends at 3:32 PM on January 3.
What rituals are performed during Paush Purnima Vrat?
Rituals include taking a sacred bath before sunrise, offering water to the Sun God, setting up an altar with idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, offering flowers, lighting a ghee diya, reciting Vishnu mantras, and ending with the Satyanarayan Katha and aarti.
Why is donating food on Paush Purnima considered significant?
Donating food on Paush Purnima is significant because Goddess Shakambhari, worshipped on this day, is the goddess of food grains. Offering food is believed to please the goddess and bring prosperity and blessings.
What is Kalpavas and its importance during Paush Purnima?
Kalpavas is a month-long period starting on Paush Purnima where devotees live a simple life at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, engaging in prayer, self-control, and charity. It is believed to cleanse past sins and guide the soul towards salvation.