Margashirsha
Purnima

Margashirsha Purnima falls in the month of Margashirsha (November-December). It is also known as Aghan Purnima, Agrahayana Purnima, Battissi Purnima, Korala Purnima and Datta Jayanti in some regions

When in Margashirsha Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Margashirsha Purnima 2026: Wednesday, 23 December 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 10:44 AM on 23 December 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 06:57 AM on 24 December 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 04:41 PM on 23 December 2026

Significance of Margashirsha Purnima 2026

As per Vedas, it is believed that Satyug began from Margashirsha month. Margashirsha Purnima is mainly known as Battisi Purnima. The name is derived from the Hindi word Battis (32).

The 32x Significance

It is believed that any moral act performed on this day like Charity (Daan), Puja, Jaap, Snaan etc. brings 32 times more rewards and blessings than the others. Hence, this is called a Bonus period where 32 times more benefits are granted.

Birth of Lord Dattatreya

The day of Margashirsha Purnima is also celebrated as Dattatreya Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya is the combined incarnation (avatar) of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. He is regarded as the Adi guru.

Goddess Annapurna Worship

Legend says that on the day of Margashirsha Purnima, Goddess Parvati embodied herself as Goddess Annapurna (Goddess of food) to ensure no creature on the Earth remains hungry.

Devotees donate food on Margashirsha Purnima to worship Goddess Annapurna. It brings prosperity in life and fills devotees kitchen and hearts.

Margashirsha Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Margashirsha Purnima is celebrated differently in different regions. People observing Purnima vrat may follow customs such as:

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean clothes
• Read Margashirsha Purnima Vrat katha
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Recite the Satyanarayan Katha.
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Observe the Margashirsha Purnima Fast
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• In the evening, light up 5 to 10 diya and place them in different places, like in the puja room, near the main door, and beside the Tulsi plant.
• Being a Purnima, special prayers are offered to the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Devotees look at the moon and make offerings of water and rice grains for emotional balance and prosperity.
• Donate food and clothes to Brahmins and poor

Margashirsha Purnima Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Purnima.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Purnima.

What not to eat on Margashirsha Purnima

During Margashirsha Purnima fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Purnima fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Purnima fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Purnima fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Margashirsha Purnima Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Margashirsha Purnima fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of Observing Margashirsha Purnima

Here are the benefits of observing Margashirsha Purnima fast -

• Devotees are blessed with success and good luck.
• Metabolism and overall health improves by doing this fast.
• Strengthen the devotee’s mind and soul.
• Detoxify the body and recharge the whole body.