The first full moon of 2026, known as Paush Purnima, falls on January 3, 2026 (Saturday), marking a highly auspicious day for new beginnings, spiritual growth, and positive resolutions.
Exact Date and Timing
According to the Hindu Panchang, Paush Purnima timings are:
Begins: January 2, 2026, 6:53 PM IST
Ends: January 3, 2026, 3:32 PM IST
Main rituals and fasting: January 3, 2026 (Saturday)
On this day, the full moon symbolizes mental peace and positive cosmic energy.
Religious and Astrological Importance
Paush Purnima holds deep significance in Hinduism:
Shakambhari Purnima: Special worship of Goddess Shakambhari (a form of Durga), the deity who nourishes the earth.
Bathing and Charity: Bathing in holy rivers like Ganga or Yamuna, along with donations, removes sins and accumulates merit.
Moon Worship: Full moon rituals enhance mental clarity, wisdom, and wish fulfillment.
New Year Resolutions: Commitments made on the year's first full moon remain effective throughout the year.
Worship Procedure and Auspicious Timings
Materials Needed:
White cloth, sandalwood, flowers, milk, kheer, jaggery, sesame seeds
Water, milk, rice for moon offering
Ganga water, lamp, incense
Step-by-Step Ritual:
Morning Bath: Bathe during Brahma Muhurta and wear clean clothes.
Resolve: Take the Purnima fast vow and worship Lord Vishnu and the Moon.
Moon Offering: Offer water to the Moon at sunset.
Charity: Donate food, clothes, or blankets to priests or the needy.
Zodiac-Specific Remedies
| Rashi | Special Remedy |
|---|---|
| Aries | Donate white cloth |
| Taurus | Chant "Om Cham Chandraya Namah" |
| Gemini | Donate milk and rice |
| Cancer | Flow a silver coin in running water |
| Leo | Offer kheer to the Moon |
| Virgo | Worship with white flowers |
| Libra | Donate jaggery and sesame |
| Scorpio | Resolve to wear pearl |
| Sagittarius | Apply white sandalwood tilak |
| Capricorn | Donate milk sweets |
| Aquarius | Donate rice |
| Pisces | Donate white blanket |
Benefits
Financial Stability: Charity on this day attracts wealth and security.
Mental Peace: Moon worship relieves stress and improves focus.
Family Happiness: Promotes unity and domestic harmony.
Career Growth: Resolutions made boost professional success.
FAQs
Q1: When is Paush Purnima 2026?
A: January 3, 2026 (Saturday). Purnima tithi from January 2 evening to January 3 afternoon.
Q2: When to break the Paush Purnima fast?
A: After Purnima tithi ends, post moon sighting on January 3 evening.
Q3: Which worship is most beneficial?
A: Moon arghya and Shakambhari Devi puja yield maximum spiritual rewards.
Q4: Can puja be done without bathing?
A: No, bathing is essential. Ganga jal bath at home is also auspicious.