- Source: Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima is celebrated during the Magha month of Hindu calendar. The specialty of this day is to take a dip in any holy water body. Some parts of India celebrate Paush Purnima as Shakambhari Purnima.
Kumbh Mela traditionally begins on Paush Purnima and continues until the end of Maha Shivaratri.
Significance
Paush Purnima day in Hindu religion is considered auspicious to get blessings from Sun and Moon God after performing special prayers and rituals. The auspicious day falling in the month of Paush which is dedicated to Sun God and combined with the Magha month which is known for spiritual significance coupled with rejuvenation practices.
Legend
Paush Purnima is also associated with and ancient story called Paush Purnima Vrat Katha.
Rituals
On Paush Purnima day people perform the following rituals-
Waking up early morning and taking a holy bath.
Visiting religious places like Haridwar or Prayagraj to take holy bath in river Ganga as its considered very important.
Offering Argya to Sun God along with chanting Surya Mantra after taking bath.
Offering prayer to Lord Vishnu after lighting Diya with Desi ghee.
Offering Havan and donating food and clothes to Brahmins.