The year 2026 brings with it a moment of celestial and spiritual significance for millions across India: Paush Purnima. This full moon day in the Hindu lunar month of Paush is not just another date on the calendar; it is a powerful gateway to spiritual cleansing and the commencement of the sacred Magh month. However, a common question arises: will Paush Purnima in 2026 be observed on January 2 or January 3? Let's clarify the date and delve into the profound rituals and remedies associated with this day.
Paush Purnima 2026: Correct Date and Tithi Timing
According to Vedic astrology and the Panchang, the precise timing of the Purnima tithi (full moon phase) determines the observance date. For the year 2026, the Purnima tithi begins on January 2, 2026, at 07:55 AM and concludes on January 3, 2026, at 06:06 AM. Since the tithi begins on the morning of January 2nd and spans into the next day, the primary observance for Paush Purnima rituals, including the holy bath (Snan), will be on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This day also marks the beginning of the auspicious Magh Snan period, a month-long festival of ritual bathing.
The Spiritual Significance of Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima holds immense importance in Hindu tradition. It is considered an extremely auspicious day for performing charity, fasting, and taking a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari. Devotees believe that bathing in sacred waters on this day washes away sins and paves the way for spiritual liberation (Moksha). The day is also dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu and the Moon God (Chandra). Many pilgrims commence their journey to the Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela bathing festivals starting from this Purnima. Furthermore, it is the day when the Pushyabhishek Yatra of Lord Shri Ram begins in Ayodhya, adding another layer of devotional significance.
Powerful Planetary Remedies for All Grahas on Paush Purnima
Astrologically, Paush Purnima is considered a potent time to pacify malefic planetary influences and strengthen benefic ones. Performing specific remedies on this day can bring peace, prosperity, and harmony. Here are powerful remedies for each planet:
For Sun (Surya): Offer water to the rising sun. Donate wheat, jaggery, or copper on Sunday.
For Moon (Chandra): Donate white items like rice, milk, or sugar. Worship Lord Shiva and recite the Chandra Mantra.
For Mars (Mangal): Donate red lentils (masoor dal), red cloth, or copper. Recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
For Mercury (Budh): Donate green moong dal, emerald, or books. Feed green grass to cows.
For Jupiter (Guru): Donate yellow items like turmeric, chana dal, or gold. Worship a Brahmin and recite the Guru Mantra.
For Venus (Shukra): Donate silver, rice, or white sweets. Worship Goddess Lakshmi.
For Saturn (Shani): Donate black sesame seeds, mustard oil, or iron. Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree.
For Rahu: Donate blue cloth, mustard oil, or urad dal. Chant the Rahu Mantra.
For Ketu: Donate brown cloth, khichdi, or blankets. Worship Lord Ganesha.
In addition to these specific remedies, performing a Satyanarayan Katha or simply observing a fast and chanting prayers on Paush Purnima is believed to bestow divine blessings and remove obstacles from one's life. The combined power of the full moon and these dedicated rituals makes this day a unique opportunity for spiritual advancement and astrological well-being.