Pausha Purnima falls on the full moon day of the Pausha month and marks the holy transition into the auspicious Magh period. Devotees consider it the first great full moon of the year, celebrated with ritual baths, fasting, and acts of compassion.

The sacred Magh Mela at Prayagraj commences on Pausha Purnima. Millions of pilgrims take a dip at the Sangam of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, believing that the icy waters remove lifelong impurities and prepare the soul for spiritual discipline.

Across India, Pausha Purnima is also observed as Shakambhari Purnima, dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari who nourishes the world with fruits, vegetables, and grains. In Odisha, the day is celebrated as Puspuni to thank nature for an abundant harvest.

Scriptures describe Pausha Purnima as the gateway to Magh month austerities. Performing Magh Snan at sunrise followed by Gayatri jap and Surya arghya purifies the aura, balances the doshas, and strengthens resolve for spiritual practices.

The full moon is dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, an aspect of Mother Parvati who restores fertility and nourishment to the earth. Devotees worship her with vibrant vegetables, grains, and fragrant flowers to invoke prosperity and wellbeing.

Charity (daan) performed on Pausha Purnima is said to reap manifold results. Donating blankets, sesame, jaggery, clarified butter, and warm meals to the needy symbolises compassion during winter and is prescribed in the Dharma Shastras.

• Take the auspicious Magh Snan at sunrise in a sacred river, lake, or at home with Ganga jal, chanting the Gayatri or Aditya Hridaya stotra.
• Offer arghya to the rising Sun, reciting Surya mantras to welcome the divine light of the new lunar cycle.
• Observe a Paush Purnima fast or partake in sattvic meals after moonrise while maintaining silence and gratitude.
• Worship Goddess Shakambhari with fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and green leaves arranged as a vibrant offering.
• Perform Pitru tarpan and offer oblations in remembrance of ancestors, praying for their peace and blessings.
• Donate warm clothes, blankets, sesame (til), jaggery, ghee, or nourishing meals to the poor as part of dan-punya.
• In Odisha and Chhattisgarh, celebrate Puspuni with community feasts, folk dances, and thanksgiving for the harvest.
• Conclude the day with moonrise darshan, chanting Chandra gayatri and meditating under the luminous full moon.

Pausha Purnima emphasises wholesome, warming foods that retain prana during winter austerities:

• Til ke laddoo and til-gud chikki symbolising the sacred union of strength and sweetness.
• Khichdi made with rice, moong dal, mild spices, and ghee for sattvic nourishment.
• Seasonal greens such as bathua, spinach, and mustard leaves offered to Shakambhari Devi.
• Dry fruits, dates, and jaggery that provide natural heat and energy during Magh rituals.
• Vegetable-rich stews and saag served in community feasts during Puspuni celebrations.
• Sesame oil diyas, woollen blankets, and millets donated as dan-punya to the needy.