Hindu Lunar Month 11 / 12मास
Magha
माघ
January – FebruaryAlso spelled: Magh, Maagha
Sacred for ritual bathing in holy rivers (Magha Snan). Hosts Mauni Amavasya, Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja), and the Magh Purnima.
Nakshatra
Magha
Where the full moon falls in this month
Presiding deity
Saraswati + Surya
Seasonal element
Cold + spring approach
Agricultural rhythm
Wheat ripening; pre-spring chill; days lengthening.
Spiritual character
Magha is the bathing month — Magh Snan at confluences (Prayag) is one of the year's most powerful purifications. Vasant Panchami (the goddess of learning) signals spring's approach; the first warm afternoons appear.
Key observances this month
- •Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja (Shukla Panchami) — start of spring + learning
- •Magha Purnima — sacred bathing peak
- •Mauni Amavasya (Krishna Amavasya) — silent vow, holy bath at Prayag
- •Magha Saptami / Ratha Saptami (Shukla Saptami) — sun worship at Konark
Auspicious for
- ✓Beginning study
- ✓Vidya arambham
- ✓River bathing (especially Prayag)
- ✓Sun-deity sankalpa