Maghi Purnima Festival Celebration in 2025

About Magha Purnima Festival

Maghi or Magha Purnima is a full moon day which occurs during the month of Magha . During Magha Purnima, the auspicious Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years at the confluence of Triveni Sangam in Prayag , Allahabad. It is believed that the Gods descend on earth and take a dip at Prayag during Magh Purnima. Hence, taking a dip in the Ganges River fulfills wishes and leads to salvation. This year, Magha Purnima is on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Magha Purnima 2025 Date, Timings & Muhurat

Magha Purnima on Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Shukla Purnima Moonrise on Purnima - 17:26

Purnima Tithi Begins - 18:55 on Feb 11, 2025
Purnima Tithi Ends - 19:22 on Feb 12, 2025

Spiritual Importance of Magha Purnima

Magha Purnima is the last and the most significant day in the month of Magha. The holy dip commences with Paush Purnima and ends with Maha Shivratri. It is considered auspicious for marriages, upanayan, housewarming etc. A dip in the river on Magha Purnima is believed to cure diseases, resolve problems, and alleviates sins. After taking a bath, worship Lord Vishnu, perform panchopchar puja and chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay.” It is recommended to fast the entire day and donate food, clothes etc. to the needy. Giving alms after taking a bath is considered to wash away all your sins from past and present life. On the day of Magha Purnima, Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman are worshipped for wish fulfillment. The day is significant for yagyas, prayers for achieving success and mantra chanting. Devotees also indulge in Magha Purnima puja and Satyanarayana puja.

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Astrological Significance Of Magha Purnima

Magha Purnima is equally significant in astrology. Since, on this day, the Sun enters Capricorn while the moon enters Cancer. So, taking a holy dip on Magha Purnima resolves difficulties associated with the Sun and the Moon in one’s natal chart. It is believed that taking a dip in the river on Magha Purnima provides strength and power. In Tamil Nadu, float festival is organised on Magha Purnima.

Maghi Purnima Vrat Katha

As per the legend, Dhaneshwar, a poor Brahman lived in a village called Kantika, along with his wife. Dhaneshwar sought alms to make his ends meet. The couple was married for many years but remained childless. People in the neighbourhood mocked Dhaneshwar's wife and taunted her for not bearing a child. A Yogi asked Dhaneshwar and his wife to pray to Goddess Kali for 16 consecutive days. On the 16th day, the Goddess appeared and asked them to light lamps and observe vrat for 32 consecutive Purnima tithis. After 32 Purnimas, Dhaneshwar's wife, conceived and gave birth to a son named Devidas. When Devidas turned sixteen, Dhaneshwar and his wife sent him to Kashi with his maternal uncle.

Later, against his wishes, Devidas got married. A few days later, the God of death arrived to take Devidas along, but he could not succeed in his mission because Devidas’ parents had observed the Purnima vrat. As a result of their devotion, Devidas was saved. Hence, Maghi Purnima vrat is still observed in modern times.

Maghi Purnima Vrat (Fasting), Puja Vidhi (Procedure) & Rituals

• Devotees observe a day-long fast for atonement. The fasting starts early in the morning and concludes in the evening after puja.
• It is recommended to observe a complete waterless fast. However, some people choose to eat just fruits and milk.
• It is recommended to take a bath in a holy river before sunrise and offer arghya to the Sun God. After taking a dip, it is suggested to worship Lord Madhusudan/Lord Krishna by taking a fasting vow.
• Brahmins and the needy should be given food and dakshina.
• Sesame and black sesame should be donated.
• Gayatri Mantra or ‘Om Namo Narayan’ mantra should be chanted 108 times.

Kalpavas

Kalpavas is an attempt to control and purify oneself during the month of Magha. It has been mentioned in the Vedas, Ramcharitmanas and Mahabharata. During this, it is recommended to lead the life of an ascetic. Devotees need to restrain from lust, anger, attachment and delusion for a month. Devotees need to take a dip thrice a day and offer Arghya to the rising sun in the morning. Devotees perform bhajan-kirtan and observe a fast.

Devotees who undergo the Kalpavas vrat are honoured the title of kalpawasi. They spend their time in Magha mela in Prayag for an austere life. It is recommended to take a bath early in the morning. Bathing, charity and chanting on the auspicious day of Purnima is said to be fruitful. The special bath in the month of Magha commences on the full moon of the Paush month and continues till Maghi Purnima. It is believed that Lord Krishna showers happiness, prosperity and salvation on those who take a dip in the holy river in the month of Magha. Prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman. It is believed that taking a holy bath in the Ganges, Yamuna and Kaveri is sacred. It is said that on this day, Lord Vishnu resides in the Ganges river. Hence, even touching the river water can be very beneficial. Idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundeshwara are mounted on floats. A Magha mela is conducted at Prayag.