Magha Purnima marks the important day in Hindu calendar. According to Religious text and believe holy bath is observed during the Magha month. Maga Purnima is also known as Maghi Purnima. Maghi Purnima is marked as the last day of Magha Mahina (month).

Certain rituals like holy bath, offerings are performed at river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. In Magha month people take bath in Ganga or Yamuna throughout the month.

Magha Purnima Timings

Purnima Tithi Begins = 07:30 10/Feb/2017

Purnima Tithi Ends = 06:02 on 11/Feb/2017

Rituals

On this day people observes fast and pay tributes to their ancestors, offer Dakshina (alms) to the poor, donate a cow and perform Homa(Havan) at Prayag and ask forgiveness for any trespasses.

After taking a dip in the holy waters libations are also offered to forefathers.

History and Legends

According to Brahmavaivart purana, Lord Vishnu resides in River Ganga in Magha Mahina(month) and even a touch of holy water is believed to cure all the illness and sins of the devotee. Also, Lord Vishnu resides in the Kshir Sagar during the Magh month and the Ganga River is a form of Kshir Sagar.

It is also believed that Vishwamitra performed holy bath in the Kumbh Mela in 2382 BCE on the day of Magh Purnima.