'Magh' the eleventh month of the Hindu Calendar is considered the most sacred and fortunate month in the Hindu mythology. The month of Magh has some 'tithies' (dates) that hold special mythological significance and positioning of stars.
'Magh' the eleventh month of the Hindu Calendar is considered the most sacred and fortunate month in the Hindu mythology. The month of Magh has some 'tithis' (dates) that hold special mythological significance and positioning of stars.
Magh month generally corresponds to the month of January or February in the Gregorian Calendar.
Magh begins either on a new moon night or full moon night. This auspicious month of the Hindu Calendar is named Magh because the moon is usually found near or within the star cluster 'Magh' (Capricorn) generally termed as Magh Nakshatra in Indian astronomy.
It marks the transit of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during this period. There are two ways to mark this period. One is 'Purnimanta' calendar i.e Lunar month from Purnima to Purnima, the other is 'Amanta' calendar that is marked from Amavasya to Amavasya
(Repositioning of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn- Pinterest)
Magh Mela is an important bathing festival celebrated in the month of Magh and is held every 12 years during the full moon day. Saints and 'Kalpwasis' perform various rituals during the important period of Magh.
Millions of devotees spend over a month on the banks of Ganga performing Kalpwas during the Magh Mela. People perform Kalpwas (Kalp- period equal to number of years in four yugs) that is take a holy dip in the river Ganga at sunrise and offer prayers to the Sun God. This done in order attain Moksha (overcome sins from previous birth) in the quest of eternal truth, and to attain highest form of spirituality.
(An Indian Sadhu - holy man - performs religious rituals outside his camp at Sangam during the annual traditional fair Magh Mela at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Allahabad. AFP)
According to Hindu Mythology holy bathing on certain celestial days instils enormous spiritual energy in an individual. During this month and festival communicating with the monks and sages who impart immense knowledge on yoga, scriptures, Hindu religion, meditation fills one with positive and spiritual energy. Being blessed by the saints and monks fills the Kalpwasis with good luck and fortune. Kalpwasis perform various spiritual practises and a lead a strict life like making food for themselves with traditional cooking methods on Chulha. Leading a strictly disciplined life for a month lets the Kalpwasi attain a supreme spiritual power and delve into the deeper recesses of spirituality.
(Indian Hindu devotees return after taking a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on the occasion of Paush Purnima, during the annual Magh Mela in Allahabad. AFP)
List of Magha Festivals celebrated
Sankashta Har Ganpati Vrath- Also known as Sakat Chauth- Sankashta Chauth falls on the fourth date of the dark fortnight or Amanta period of this month. Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day as it is believed that praying Lord Ganesh to mark the beginning of any event brings happiness and Prosperity.
Shattila Ekadashi - Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi vrats which are observed to seek blessing of Lord Vishnu. Second important date of this dark fortnight month for fasting, bathing and offerings to the priests.
Mauni Amavasya - On this day Saraswati, Ganga and Yamuna the Goddess of knowledge, music and art, is worshipped on Vasant Panchami day. Yellow flowers are offered, and a holy dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati is the most sacred dip of the month.
Ratha Saptami - Saptami Tithi is dedicated to Lord Surya. It is believed that Lord Surya Dev started enlightening the whole world on Ratha Saptami day.
The other important date of ritual bath is Sampad Gauri Vrat Snan which falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of Magh. It is done for happiness and fortune.
Lalit Vrat or Harkali Vrat- On the third date of the Purnimata period Goddess Durga is specially prayed and invoked. Also known as Sampad Gauri Vrat Snan where Lord Shiva is worshipped with Goddess Gauri together.
The Magh month finally comes to an end on the full moon day or Purnima when sun enters the Shravan Nakshaktra.
Important Dates of Magh Festival
Sankashti Vrat in Magh Month 2018 is on January 5.
The Chandrodaya or Moonrise time as per North Indian calendars is 8:27 PM.
Magh Month Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) is from January 2, 2018, to January 17, 2018.
Magh Month Shukla Paksha (waning phase of moon) is from January 18, 2018, to January 31, 2018.
Magh Amavasi in Hindi Panchang in North India
Magha Amavasya is on January 16 and 17, 2018
Mauni Amavas is on January 17
Magh Purnima is on January 31, 2018.
Makar Sankranti - January 14
Gupt Navratri - January 18 to January 26
Basant Panchami – January 22
Ratha Saptami – January 24
(Indian devotees light oil lamps on the occasion of Paush Purnima at Sangam during the annual traditional fair Magh Mela at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Allahabad. AFP)
(Indian Hindu students from the Swaminarayan Gurukul participate in the Magh Snan or holy bath in Ahmedabad. AFP)
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 "(Magh Snan or holy bath)")
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