Correct Date of Magh Purnima 2026 and Poornima Tithi Span

Correct Date Of Magh Purnima 2026 And Poornima Tithi Span

Magh Purnima in 2026 is one of those dates that often creates confusion among devotees about whether the main observance should be on 1 February or 2 February. The doubt arises because the Poornima Tithi stretches across two dates, while scriptural guidance gives special importance to the Tithi present at sunrise. Understanding this rule makes it easier to decide the correct day for the vrat and Ganga snan.

According to the Panchang, the beginning and end of the Magh Poornima Tithi fall as follows and these timings are the basis for fixing the main day of worship.

Detail	Time and Date
Poornima Tithi begins	1 February 2026, Sunday, 05:52 am
Poornima Tithi ends	2 February 2026, Monday, 03:38 am

Traditional dharma shastras state that the Tithi present at sunrise is treated as the primary Tithi for fasting, snan and worship. On 1 February 2026, Poornima Tithi is active at sunrise, so Magh Purnima will be observed on Sunday, 1 February 2026. By the early hours of 2 February, the Tithi has already ended, therefore that day is not treated as the main date for Magh Purnima vows and bathing.

Ganga Snan And Auspicious Muhurats On Magh Purnima

Magh Purnima is especially known for Ganga snan, acts of charity and devotional chanting. Bathing in the Ganga on this date is seen as a shared spiritual practice oriented towards purification and movement towards liberation. Choosing an appropriate time helps deepen the inner impact of the observance.

For Magh Purnima 2026, the main snan and puja muhurats are as follows.

• Brahma muhurat: 05:24 am to 06:17 am
• Abhijit muhurat: 12:13 pm to 12:57 pm

Brahma muhurat is praised as the best time for Magh Purnima snan. Bathing in the Ganga, any sacred river or a clean water body during this period is described as giving results comparable to nectar. For those who cannot manage an early bath due to circumstances, Abhijit muhurat at midday is also regarded as a favourable interval for bathing, charity and puja.

How To Perform Snan On Magh Purnima 2026

Not every devotee can reach a major pilgrimage site, yet it is still possible to honour Magh Purnima meaningfully.

• If feasible, visit Tirtharaj Prayag, a Ganga ghat or another recognised tirtha for the bath
• When this is not possible, bathe in a nearby river, pond, well or any clean water source
• Those who live far from natural water bodies can add a little Ganga jal to their bath water at home and bathe with faith
• After bathing, wear clean, simple clothes and keep the inner feeling that not only the body but also the mind and thoughts are being cleansed

Immediately after snan, it is auspicious to offer arghya to the Sun. While offering, stand steadily and inwardly pray for clarity, strength and light in life.

Religious And Spiritual Significance Of Magh Purnima

In Hindu practice Magh Purnima, also known as Maghi Purnima, is regarded as a deeply significant day.

• It is believed that bathing in holy rivers, especially in the Ganga, on this day helps in the removal of sins and supports progress towards liberation
• Scriptures describe that on Magh Purnima, Lord Vishnu resides in the waters of the Ganga, which increases the importance of Ganga snan followed by Vishnu worship
• Acts of charity, ancestral offerings and chanting undertaken on this date are said to yield multiplied benefits compared to ordinary days
• At Prayagraj, the ongoing Kalpavaas of the month also comes to completion on this day, which gives the date a special weight for ascetic practitioners as well

The deeper message of the day is that amidst the outer cold of the season, inner warmth of devotion and faith should remain steady.

Charity, Pitri Tarpan And Kalpavaas On Magh Purnima

Certain actions performed on Magh Purnima 2026 are highlighted in tradition as especially fruitful.

• Giving in charity items such as sesame, blankets, ghee and food is considered highly meritorious
• Classical teachings state that charity of sesame and food on Magh Purnima can yield results likened to those of an Ashvamedha yajna when offered with humility
• Performing tarpana with water and sesame in the names of ancestors is believed to bring peace and satisfaction to them and to invite their blessings upon the family
• At Prayagraj, those who have been observing Kalpavaas throughout the month bring their month long discipline to completion by taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam on this day

Kalpavaas is not only residence by the river, it is a collective vow that includes listening to Vedic teachings, japa, meditation, restraint and non violence. The bath on Magh Purnima symbolises the fulfilment of this vow.

Puja And Home Practices For Magh Purnima

Even at home a devotee can make Magh Purnima a day of focused practice.

• After bathing, perform puja of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with lamp, incense, flowers and a simple offering
• If possible, read or listen to Bhagwan Satyanarayan katha, which is considered very auspicious on this date
• In the evening offer arghya to the Moon and spend a few moments in quiet prayer
• According to one’s capacity, donate food, clothing or blankets to those in need or to a trusted religious institution

The real power of the puja arises less from external decoration and more from sincerity and humility of heart.

Making Magh Purnima 2026 A Day Of Inner Change

Beyond bathing and external rituals, Magh Purnima 2026 can be used as a gentle opportunity for inner renovation.

• Spend some time quietly looking at past mistakes, harsh words and areas of confusion with honesty
• Take an inner resolve to move towards a simpler, more disciplined and truthful way of living
• Choose at least one clearly harmful habit and resolve either to drop it or to reduce it step by step, starting from this day

When Magh Purnima becomes a doorway for change in thought and conduct, it no longer remains just a calendar event but turns into a life shaping observance.

Common Questions

What is the correct date of Magh Purnima 2026, 1 February or 2 February
The Poornima Tithi for Magh Purnima 2026 begins at 05:52 am on 1 February 2026 and ends at 03:38 am on 2 February 2026. Since Poornima is present at sunrise on 1 February, Magh Purnima is observed on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

What is the most auspicious time for Ganga snan on this Magh Purnima
The best time for Ganga snan on Magh Purnima is Brahma muhurat from 05:24 am to 06:17 am on 1 February 2026. Those unable to bathe then may use the Abhijit muhurat from 12:13 pm to 12:57 pm as an alternative for snan and charity.

Which forms of charity are considered especially beneficial on Magh Purnima
Charity of sesame, blankets, ghee and food is highly praised on this day. Tradition likens the reward of sesame and food charity on Magh Purnima to the merit of an Ashvamedha yajna when performed without display and with compassion.

Which deity should be worshipped on Magh Purnima
Lord Vishnu, along with Goddess Lakshmi, is principally worshipped on Magh Purnima. After snan and offering arghya to the Sun, devotees perform Vishnu puja, listen to or recite Satyanarayan katha and in the evening offer arghya to the Moon.

How are Kalpavaas and Magh Purnima connected
At Prayagraj during Magh Mela, those who live near the Sangam for the entire month with japa, meditation, listening to Vedic teachings and disciplined living are known as Kalpavaasi. Their Kalpavaas is completed on Magh Purnima with a final bath at the Triveni Sangam, so the date marks the fulfilment of their vow.