Paush Purnima 2026: Date, Moonrise Time, Significance, Rituals, Vrat and Spiritual Importance
Paush Purnima, one of the most sacred full moon days in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This auspicious day falls in the Paush month (December–January) and holds immense religious importance for devotees who observe fasting, perform holy baths, and engage in charity and spiritual practices.
On Paush Purnima 2026, the Shukla Purnima Moonrise will occur at 05:19 PM, marking the most important moment of the day for worship and vrat completion.
Paush Purnima 2026: Date and Moonrise Time
- Festival: Paush Purnima
- Day: Saturday
- Date: January 3, 2026
- Shukla Purnima Moonrise: 05:19 PM
Paush Purnima marks the culmination of the Paush Shukla Paksha and is considered highly auspicious for spiritual merit, purification, and divine blessings.
What Is Paush Purnima?
Paush Purnima is the full moon day of the Paush month, which is dedicated to:
- Lord Vishnu
- Goddess Lakshmi
- The sacred Ganga
- Sages and ancestors
It is believed that religious activities performed on this day yield manifold spiritual rewards, making Paush Purnima especially significant for saints, pilgrims, and household devotees alike.
Religious and Spiritual Significance of Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima holds a special place in Hindu tradition for several reasons:
- It is considered a highly meritorious day for charity (daan)
- Holy bathing on this day is believed to cleanse sins
- Worship of Lord Vishnu brings peace, prosperity, and salvation
- It marks an important phase of winter spiritual discipline
In many scriptures, Paush Purnima is said to bestow blessings equivalent to performing major yajnas.
Importance of Holy Bath on Paush Purnima
One of the most important rituals of Paush Purnima is the sacred bath (Snan).
Where Is the Holy Bath Performed?
- River Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati
- Sangam at Prayagraj
- Other sacred rivers and water bodies
- At home with sanctified water if travel is not possible
Significance of Paush Purnima Snan
- Purifies body and soul
- Removes negative karmic effects
- Marks spiritual renewal and discipline
Paush Purnima also marks the beginning of Kalpavas at Prayagraj, where devotees live a life of austerity for an entire month.
Paush Purnima Vrat (Fasting) Importance
Many devotees observe a Paush Purnima Vrat, which involves:
- Consuming sattvic food or fruits
- Maintaining celibacy and discipline
- Engaging in prayers, japa, and meditation
Benefits of Paush Purnima Vrat
- Peace of mind
- Improved spiritual focus
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu
- Removal of obstacles in life
The vrat is traditionally completed after moonrise at 05:19 PM.
Paush Purnima Moonrise Significance
The moonrise on Paush Purnima holds special importance:
- The Moon represents calmness, purity, and devotion
- Devotees offer Arghya to Chandra Dev
- Worship during moonrise ensures vrat completion
On January 3, 2026, devotees should perform moon worship after 05:19 PM.
Paush Purnima Puja Vidhi (Simple Method)
- Wake up early and take a holy bath
- Wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes
- Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
- Offer flowers, incense, lamp, and tulsi leaves
- Perform Chandra Puja after moonrise
- Donate food, clothes, grains, or money
- Break the fast after worship
Importance of Charity on Paush Purnima
Charity performed on Paush Purnima is believed to yield eternal merit.
Auspicious Items for Donation
- Food and grains
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Ghee, sesame seeds
- Money and essentials
Charity done with devotion on this day brings prosperity and spiritual growth.
Paush Purnima and Kalpavas at Prayagraj
Paush Purnima marks the beginning of Kalpavas, a month-long spiritual observance practiced by saints and devotees at the Triveni Sangam.
During Kalpavas, devotees:
- Live a disciplined life
- Follow strict vows
- Engage in prayer, charity, and meditation
This tradition highlights Paush Purnima’s deep connection with spiritual renunciation and devotion.
Mythological Importance of Paush Purnima
According to legends:
- Gods and sages consider Paush Purnima extremely auspicious
- Holy bathing on this day grants divine blessings
- Lord Vishnu is said to be especially pleased by devotion on Paush Purnima
The day is associated with peace, harmony, and spiritual awakening.
Paush Purnima in Different Regions of India
- North India: Holy baths, Vishnu worship, charity
- Prayagraj: Kalpavas and mass pilgrimages
- Bihar & Uttar Pradesh: Fasting and river worship
- Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan: Daan and temple rituals
Despite regional variations, the essence of Paush Purnima remains the same—purification, devotion, and charity.
Conclusion
Paush Purnima 2026, observed on Saturday, January 3, is a deeply auspicious occasion that encourages spiritual discipline, devotion, and compassion. With the Shukla Purnima Moonrise at 05:19 PM, devotees complete their vrat and prayers with faith and gratitude.
Whether through holy bathing, fasting, charity, or moon worship, Paush Purnima offers an opportunity to cleanse the soul, seek divine blessings, and begin the new year with spiritual strength and inner peace.
