Magha Purnima 2024: On Magh Purnima 2024, devotees will gather to worship Lord Vishnu and the Moon God. They will observe the Satyanarayan Vrat and partake in various puja rituals.
Magha Purnima 2024
In India, Maghi Purnima, also known as Magha Purnima, is observed on the full-moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Magha. This year, it falls on February 24. The Moon is worshipped by numerous devotees, and there is a specific group of people who honor Gautama Buddha, the religious leader and founder of Buddhism. Hindus throughout India celebrate this significant day in various ways, which we highlight in this article.
Magha Purnima 2024 Time And Date
The Magh month’s full moon date will commence on February 23rd at 03:33 pm. Additionally, the Purnima Tithi will conclude on February 24th at 05:59 pm. Therefore, based on the Udaya Tithi, Magh Purnima will be observed on Saturday, February 24th.
Magha Purnima Vidhi
* It is recommended to take a bath in the Ganga during Brahma Muhurta on the day of Magh Purnima. If bathing in the Ganga is not feasible, you can mix Ganga water with regular water and take a bath.
*After bathing, offer Arghya while reciting the Om Namo Narayana Mantra.
*To pay homage, stand facing the sun and place sesame seeds in water, then offer it.
*Following this, begin the worship ritual.
*Provide charanamrit, betel leaves, til seeds, sacred thread, vermillion, turmeric, fruits, blossoms, cow products, areca nut, Bermuda grass, etc. during the ritual.
*Conclude with aarti and recitation of prayers.
*On the full moon day, honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and lunar energy.
Magha Purnima History
The Magha month holds great significance for Hindus in the Hindu calendar. During the celebration of Maghi Purnima, devotees observe fasting, take a holy dip in sacred waters, donate to charitable causes, and offer prayers to deities like Vishnu and Hanuman. Hindus believe that this sacred bath, taken in rivers such as the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, Kaveri, and others, brings immense blessings. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu resides in the river Ganga on this day, and even touching its waters can bring great benefits to individuals. Along with the prayers offered on this day, devotees strongly believe that their wishes are likely to be fulfilled.
India is known for its diverse customs, with each region having its own unique traditions. For example, Tamil Nadu in the south celebrates a special ‘float’ festival every year, where decorated idols of their gods, Meenakshi and Lord Sundeshwara, are placed on floats. Meanwhile, in North India, cities like Allahabad and Prayag host the annual Magha Mela, a grand religious fair held at the meeting point of the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati River.
In addition to its religious significance, this day holds importance in terms of astrology as well. When the sun transitions into the Capricorn sign, the moon aligns with the Cancer constellation. Taking a sacred dip is believed to eliminate any issues associated with the sun and the moon, while the entire month aids individuals in adapting to the changing seasons. It empowers people, providing them with the strength to confront the upcoming season.
Maghi Purnima holds great significance for Buddhists as it is believed that Lord Buddha predicted his own death on this day. According to legend, as soon as he made this announcement, an earthquake occurred, symbolizing the Earth’s reaction to this news. Buddhists also believe that similar earthquakes happened when Buddha was born, when he attained enlightenment, and when he passed away. On this auspicious day, Buddhists engage in religious ceremonies, offer prayers to Buddha, and extend their generosity to the less fortunate through offerings. Numerous Buddhist communities in India arrange fairs and festivities to commemorate the life of Buddha.
Pournami Days in a Year
How many Purnimas occur in a year? Normally, there are 12 Full Moons in an English calendar. But if there is a blue moon, meaning 2 full moons in one month, there can be up to 13 purnimas in a year. Blue Moons were observed in the years 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2018. The next Blue Moon is expected to happen in October 2020.
All Purnima dates in 2024
Purnima | Date | Days | Tithi |
Pausa Purnima | January 25th | Thursday | Timing : Jan 24, 9:50 PM - Jan 25, 11:24 PM |
Magha Purnima | February 24th | Saturday | Timing : Feb 23, 3:34 PM - Feb 24, 6:00 PM |
Phalguna Purnima | March 25th | Monday | Mar 24, 9:55 AM - Mar 25, 12:30 PM |
Chaitra Purnima | April 23rd | Tuesday | Timing : Apr 23, 3:26 AM - Apr 24, 5:18 AM |
Vaisakha Purnima | May 23rd | Thursday | Timing : May 22, 6:48 PM - May 23, 7:23 PM |
Jyeshta Purnima | June 22nd, | Saturday | Timing : Jun 21, 7:32 AM - Jun 22, 6:37 AM |
Ashadha Purnima | July 21st | Sunday | Timing : Jul 20, 6:00 PM - Jul 21, 3:47 PM |
Sravana Purnima | August 19th | Monday | Timing : Aug 19, 3:05 AM - Aug 19, 11:55 PM |
Bhadrapada Purnima | September 18th | Wednesday | Timing : Sep 17, 11:44 AM - Sep 18, 8:04 AM |
Ashvina Purnima | October 17th | Thursday | Timing : Oct 16, 8:41 PM - Oct 17, 4:56 PM |
Kartika Purnima | November 15th | Friday | Timing : Nov 15, 6:19 AM - Nov 16, 2:58 AM |
Agrahayana Purnima | December 15th | Sunday | Timing : Dec 14, 4:59 PM - Dec 15, 2:31 PM |
FAQ About Magha Purnima
1-What are Purnima and amavasya days?
The new moon occurs 14-15 days after the full moon, which in turn occurs 14-15 days after the previous new moon.
2-What is the Poornima Tithi?
Purnima is the specific day in each month when the full moon appears, signifying the midpoint between the two lunar fortnights (paksha). On this day, the Moon, Sun, and Earth align perfectly in a straight line, known as a syzygy.
3-What is special in Pournami?
On Pournami, the moon directly and fully showers its beneficial rays upon humanity, along with the rays of the sun.
4-Is Amavasya good or bad?
It is believed to be unlucky for auspicious events but lucky for religious ceremonies such as sacred baths, honoring ancestors, performing rituals for ancestors, offering food to Brahmins, and conducting charitable acts.