Paush Purnima 2026 Date: The full moon (Purnima) has special significance in Hinduism, and the first full moon of 2026 will be celebrated on the Purnima tithi (lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Paush month. On this day, the moon is said to be complete with all sixteen of its phases, and bathing in a holy river, giving charity, and offering water to the Sun God are considered especially auspicious. Scriptures state that the religious rituals performed during the Paush month are considered complete and fruitful only after taking a bath on Purnima. The Magh Mela also begins on Paush Purnima. The Magh Mela is one of the major religious events in India, starting in Prayagraj on Paush Purnima. Let's learn about the date, significance, and auspicious time of Paush Purnima…

Religious Significance of Paush Purnima
In Hinduism, Paush Purnima holds special religious, spiritual, and astrological significance. It is believed that fasting, bathing, and giving charity on this day destroy sins and bring happiness and prosperity to life. Bathing in the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, or any other holy river, worshipping Lord Vishnu, and giving alms to the needy are considered highly auspicious on this day. Doing so removes all problems in life and increases positive energy. The first full moon of 2026 falls on January 3, 2026. Observing the fast and performing puja on Paush Purnima removes suffering and negativity from life, increases mental peace, and self-confidence. It also brings an increase in wealth, food, and prosperity, and one receives the blessings of one's ancestors.

Magh Mela Begins on Paush Purnima
The Magh Snan (holy bath) is considered to begin on Paush Purnima. According to religious texts, one receives the special blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day. Saints and devotees also begin their Kalpavas on this day. Kalpavas is a spiritual ritual and penance. During this time, saints and devotees stay on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj for a month and take a holy bath in the Sangam every day. This bath is not taken just once, but three times a day. It is said that bathing and giving charity on Paush Purnima yield the same merit as performing virtuous deeds throughout the year. This is why this full moon is considered special. It is believed that bathing in the Magh Mela frees a person from the cycle of birth and death and leads to the attainment of Vaikuntha Dham (the abode of Lord Vishnu).

January 3rd: The first full moon of 2026
According to the Hindu calendar, the Paush Purnima tithi (lunar day) will begin on January 2, 2026, at 6:53 PM and will end on January 3rd at 3:32 PM. Considering the Udaya Tithi (the time of sunrise), it is appropriate to observe the Paush Purnima fast on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The moon will rise at 5:28 PM on January 3rd.

Auspicious time for bathing and charity on Paush Purnima
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the auspicious time for bathing and giving charity on Paush Purnima will be from 5:25 AM to 6:20 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026.  Alternatively, you can also perform acts of charity during the Abhijit Muhurta, from 12:05 PM to 12:46 PM.

Paush Purnima 2026 Puja Method
On Paush Purnima, after bathing in a holy river early in the morning, take a vow to observe the fast and perform the puja. Then offer water to the Sun God and chant Surya mantras. After that, offer yellow flowers, prasad (food offering), sandalwood paste, rice grains, clothes, and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Then recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" using a Tulsi mala (rosary). After that, perform Aarti with a lamp lit with cow's ghee and offer prasad. Then, eat a sattvic (pure) meal or observe a fruit-only fast once during the day and give food, clothes, and charity to the poor, Brahmins, and needy. On the night of Paush Purnima, one should also offer Arghya (water offering) to the moon and offer prayers. It is believed that prayers offered on the night of the full moon yield quick results. Donate these things on Purnima.

Donating on Paush Purnima 2026 is considered especially auspicious. It is believed that donating on this day removes all the troubles of life and frees one from the inauspicious effects of the planets and constellations. On the Purnima tithi (full moon day), one should donate white-colored items such as milk, rice, sugar, silver, white clothes, white sandalwood, etc.  Kheer (rice pudding) can also be distributed as prasad (offering). Donating blankets, warm clothes, rice, wheat, sesame seeds, jaggery, ghee, and milk on this day is considered particularly significant.

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