Pausha Purnima 2021

Purnima fasting might be observed either on the day of Purnima or on one day before Purnima i.e. on Chaturdashi day depending on starting time of Purnima Tithi on previous day.

Purnima fasting on Chaturdashi occurs only when Purnima starts during Madhyana period on previous day. It is believed that if Chaturdashi prevails beyond Madhyana then it pollutes Purnima Tithi and this Chaturdashi day should not be considered for Purnima fasting even if Purnima prevails during evening. There are no two opinions on this rule and DrikPanchang.com lists Purnima fasting days according to this rule.

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

During Magha Mahina people take early morning bath in the Ganga or in the Yamuna throughout the month. The tough winter season in North makes 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 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 the birth and the death.

Shakambari 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.