Magha (Magha Maas) 2018
The month of the Magha snan and Kalpavas — Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya and Vasant Panchami.
Magha (Magha Maas) 2018 Dates
The significance of Magha — Lord Vishnu & Surya
Magha is the great month of the holy bath. A dip at Prayag through the month — the Kalpavas, when devotees live austere by the Sangam — is held to wash a lifetime's karma. It opens with Makar Sankranti as the sun turns north, holds the silent Mauni Amavasya bath, and reaches Vasant Panchami, the first day of spring and the worship of Saraswati.
Rituals of Magha
- Magha snan — a daily pre-dawn holy dip, especially at Prayag
- Kalpavas — an austere month-long stay at the Sangam
- Til-gud daan and sesame offerings
- Surya arghya from Makar Sankranti
- The silent Mauni Amavasya bath
- Saraswati puja on Vasant Panchami
- Fasting on Jaya and Vijaya Ekadashi
Key days in Magha 2018
Festivals in Magha 2018
Monthly vrats 2018
Magha 2018 — Frequently Asked Questions
When does Magha Maas 2018 start?
In North India (Purnimanta calendar) Magha runs from Wednesday, 3 January 2018 to Wednesday, 31 January 2018. In Amanta-calendar regions it runs Thursday, 18 January 2018 to Thursday, 15 February 2018.
Why do Magha dates differ in North and South India?
Because the two regions follow different lunar calendars. In the Purnimanta calendar (North India) a month ends on the Purnima, so it starts about 15 days earlier than in Amanta. In the Amanta calendar (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) the month runs new-moon to new-moon.
Which deity is Magha 2018 dedicated to?
Magha is the great month of the holy bath. A dip at Prayag through the month — the Kalpavas, when devotees live austere by the Sangam — is held to wash a lifetime's karma. It opens with Makar Sankranti as the sun turns north, holds the silent Mauni Amavasya bath, and reaches Vasant Panchami, the first day of spring and the worship of Saraswati.
Is Magha 2018 an Adhik Maas?
No. Magha 2018 is a normal 29-day month.