Paush Purnima 2026: Paush Purnima is the full-moon day in the Hindu month of Paush (December–January). It is considered highly auspicious for holy bath (snan), charity (daan), and beginning the sacred Magh month.
Paush Purnima Date and Time
Paush Purnima falls on: Saturday, 3 January 2026 (main observance day).
Purnima Tithi (lunar date) begins: 2 January 2026 at ~6:53 PM (evening).
Purnima Tithi ends: 3 January 2026 at ~3:32 PM (afternoon).
Moonrise on full moon day: ~5:28 PM on 3 January.
According to Hindu practice, the upavasa (fast) and main rituals are observed on 3 January based on the sunrise-based Udaya Tithi.
Paush Purnima Auspicious Time (Paush Purnima Shubh Muhurat)
Brahma Muhurta (best time for holy bath & charity): early morning around 5:25 AM – 6:20 AM (3 Jan) is considered highly auspicious for sacred bath and donations. Abhijit Muhurat (good for puja/daana): around 12:05 PM – 12:46 PM (3 Jan).
Significance of Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima (पौष पूर्णिमा) is a highly revered full-moon day in the Hindu calendar with deep spiritual meaning:
First Full Moon of the Year
It marks the first full moon (Purnima) of the new year according to the Hindu lunar cycle, making it particularly auspicious for spiritual renewal.
Start of Magh Month & Pilgrimage Activities
It heralds the beginning of the sacred Magh month, a spiritually charged period. Major pilgrimages and holy gatherings like the Magh Mela at Prayagraj (Allahabad) begin on this day with millions of devotees taking the Paush Purnima Snan (holy bath) at the Triveni Sangam.
Holy Bath (Snan) & Purification
Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, etc. is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, helping one shed past sins and negative impressions.
Charity & Pious Acts
Performing daan (charity), puja (worship), fasting, and devotional practices on this day are thought to bring peace, prosperity, spiritual growth, and relief from karmic burdens.
Worship of Deities
Devotees traditionally offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Chandra Deva (Moon God), seeking blessings for well-being, wealth, and harmony.
Start of Important Kumbh/Magh Mela Activities
At Prayagraj, lakhs of devotees participate in snan and spiritual gatherings.
In summary, Paush Purnima 2026 is observed on 3 January, with the lunar tithi spanning from the evening of Jan 2 to the afternoon of Jan 3, and is celebrated as a day of cleansing, devotion, charity, and spiritual awakening.