Magha Purnima

"Magha Purnima", also known as 'Maghi Purnima' and 'Maha Maghi', is the last and the most important day of Magh month. According to Hindu calendar, it occurs on the 'full moon day' in Magh month (January/ February- as per Gregorian calendar). This year, it is on '5th Feb. 2023.'

On this holy day, Moon God is worshipped. 'Magha bath' is also of utmost importance on 'Magha Purnima.' This daily bathing initiates from 'Paush Purnima' and ends on 'Magha Purnima.' The devotees bathe in the sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Saraswati, etc. Out of all these rivers, bath in 'Triveni Sangam' is considered most auspicious.

Even 'Brahma Vaivarta Purana' also mentions that 'Lord Vishnu resides in the river Ganga on the day of Magha Purnima and the devotees can get rid of all sins and diseases even by touching the water of these sacred rivers.'

'Sanatan Dharma' says that Lord Madhav, i.e., Shri Krishna showers his blessings on the people who take bath in the holy rivers. After bath, the devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman alongwith their Ishta Devta with fruits, supari (betel nut), banana leaves, moli (red thread worn over wrist & is also considered very auspicious in Hinduism), til, incense sticks and sandalwood paste.

Most significantly, 'Til' is also offered to the Lords. It is believed that Lord Vishnu & Lord Hanuman fulfill desires of their devotees on this day. Homa (havan) is also done with black sesame (Til) seeds to offer to the ancestors. 'Shradh-tarpan' is also performed for the peace of deceased souls. Then, Arghya is given to the moon in the evening.

Magha Purnima also serves an 'astrological significance' as the Sun enters Capricorn & the Moon moves into the Cancer constellation on this day. Hence, bathing in the holy rivers on Maha Maghi Divas is considered to solve all the difficulties related to the Sun and the Moon. The 'scientific importance' of this very auspicious day is that it aids the human body to adjust to the changing seasons, i.e., it provides strength and power to the body.

Buddhism also finds the great importance of Magha Purnima as Lord Gautam Buddha pronounced his impending death on the same day. Magha Mela & Kumbh Mela are also held. In Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu, a float festival is celebrated.

This auspicious occasion of Magha Purnima blesses one with happiness, prosperity, children, salvation, purity, peace of mind, and all the wishes to come true.

'Satyanarayana Vrat' is also kept by many people on this day. Satyanarayan Katha is also read at various places. Apart from that, reading sessions for Bhagavad Gita and Ramayan are also held. Magha Purnima is as special as every other day of Magh month for 'charity' and 'Daan Punya' activities. Charity on 'Maha Maghi Day' is as beneficial as observing Maha Yagyas. Most of the people prefer 'Anna Daan' for the needy & poor. Other than this, clothes, money and many other things are also given as donations. 'Til' is the most important part of the donations.