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{{Short description|Eleventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar}} | |||
{{Other uses|Magha (disambiguation)}} | {{Other uses|Magha (disambiguation)}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox month | |||
| image = A_night_lit_up_on_Makar_Sankranti_Uttarayana_Festival_with_Kites_and_Lights_India.jpg | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Sky lit up with lights and kites during [[Makar Sankranti]], a major [[Hindu]] [[harvest festival]] | |||
| native_name = {{Native name|sa|माघ}} | |||
| calendar = [[Hindu calendar]] | |||
| num = 11 | |||
| days = 29 or 30 | |||
| season = [[Shishira (season)|Shishira]] ([[Winter]]) | |||
| gregorian = [[January]]–[[February]] | |||
| holidays = {{ubl |[[Bhishma Ashtami]] |[[Makar Sankranti]] |[[Ratha Saptami]] |[[Vasant Panchami]] | |||
}} | |||
| prev_month = [[Pausha]] | |||
| next_month = [[Phalguna]] | |||
}} | |||
{{Hinduism}} | |||
'''Magha''' ({{IAST|Māgha}}) is the eleventh [[month]] of the [[Hindu calendar|Hindu]] [[lunar calendar]] and the [[Indian national calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|editor=Kenneth W. Morgan|title=The Religion Of The Hindus|year= 1987|publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]]|isbn=978-8-120-80387-9|page=96}}</ref> The name of the month is derived from the position of the [[Moon]] near the [[Magha (nakshatra)|Magha]] [[nakshatra]] (star) on the [[full moon]] day.<ref name="Ety">{{cite book|title=Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures|author=Garima Garg|year=2022|isbn=978-9-354-92705-8|publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]|page=75}}</ref> The month marks the [[winter]] ([[Shishira (season)|Shishira]]) season and falls in January–February of the [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|editor=Helene Henderson|year=2005|title=Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary|edition=Third|location=[[Detroit]]|publisher=Omnigraphics|page=xxix|isbn=978-0-780-80982-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M, N-Z (Vol 1 & 2)|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/508 508]|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/508}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Robert Sewell|author2=Śaṅkara Bālakr̥shṇa Dīkshita|title=The Indian Calendar |url=https://archive.org/details/indiancalendarwi00sewerich |year=1896|publisher=S. Sonnenschein & Company|pages=[https://archive.org/details/indiancalendarwi00sewerich/page/5 5]–11, 23–29}}</ref> | |||
{{ | In the Hindu [[solar calendar]], it corresponds to the month of [[Makara (month)|Makara]] and begins with the [[Sun]]'s entry into [[Capricorn (constellation)|Capricorn]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC|year=2004|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|isbn=978-0-69112-04-85|pages=291–293}}</ref><ref name=sewell10>{{cite book|author1=Robert Sewell|author2=Śaṅkara Bālakr̥shṇa Dīkshita|title=The Indian Calendar |url=https://archive.org/details/indiancalendarwi00sewerich |year=1896|publisher=S. Sonnenschein & Company|pages=[https://archive.org/details/indiancalendarwi00sewerich/page/10 10]–11}}</ref><ref name="Siddhantha">{{cite book|title=The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar|author1=Robert Sewell|author2=John Faithful Fleet|year=1989|publisher=[[Asian Educational Services]]|page=334}}</ref> It corresponds to [[Magh (Bengali calendar)|Magh]], the tenth month in the [[Bengali calendar]].<ref name="Siddhantha"/> In the [[Tamil calendar]], it corresponds to the eleventh month of [[Masi (month)|Masi]], falling in the Gregorian months of February–March.<ref name="Siddhantha"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/tamil-calendar.html|title=Tamil Calendar – Months |work=Time and Date |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> In the [[Vaishnav]] calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of [[Madhava (Vishnu)|Madhava]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaisnavacalendar.info/aboutcalendar.htm|title=Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar |work=Vaisnava Calendar |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isvara.org/archive/on-the-calendar-by-srila-prabhupada/ |title=Something about the Vaisnava Calendar |work=ISVARA |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> | ||
In lunar | In the Hindu lunar calendar, each month has 29 or 30 days. The month begins on the next day after [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]]) or [[Purnima]] ([[full moon]]) as per [[Hindu calendar#Amānta and Purnimānta systems|amanta]] and [[Hindu calendar#Amānta and Purnimānta systems|purnimanta]] systems respectively. A month consists of two cycles of 15 days each, [[Shukla Paksha]] ([[waning moon]]) and [[Krishna Paksha]] ([[waxing moon]]). Days in each cycle is labeled as a [[thithi]], with each thithi repeating twice in a month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/practice/festivals/the-hindu-calendar/|title=Hindu calendar|work=[[ISKCON]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aryasamajhouston.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166&Itemid=125|title=Hindu calendar|work=[[Arya Samaj]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> | ||
== Festivals == | |||
=== Bhishma Ashtami === | |||
[[Bhishma Ashtami]] is observed on the [[Ashtami]] (eighth lunar day) [[thithi]] of [[Shukla Paksha]] ([[waning moon]]) of the month. It commemorates the death anniversary of [[Bhishma]], one of the central characters from the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]'', who chose his time of death during the auspicious [[Uttarayana]] period.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/bhishma-ashtami/articleshow/68206280.cms|title=Bhishma Ashtami|date=4 February 2017|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news9live.com/lifestyle/spirituality/bhishma-ashtami-2025-date-tithi-and-the-story-of-bhishma-pitamah-2813211|title=Bhishma Ashtami 2025: Date, Tithi and the Story of Bhishma Pitamah|work=News9|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> On the day, people perform rituals at river banks to honour him and their ancestors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyjagran.com/spiritual/bhishma-ashtami-2025-date-time-significance-and-ritals-of-this-sacred-fast-10216605|title=Bhishma Ashtami 2025: Date, Time, Significance And Rituals Of This Sacred Fast|date=4 February 2025|work=Daily Jagran|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
=== Makar Sankranti === | |||
[[Makar Sankranti]] is a [[harvest festival]] that marks the transition of the Sun to [[Capricorn (constellation)|Capricorn]] (Makara), beginning its northward journey (Uttarayana). <ref>{{cite web|url=https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/festivals/makar-sankranti/|title=Makar Sankranti|work=Department of Tourism Maharashtra|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> People celebrate the festival by thanking the Sun and nature for a good harvest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/makar-sankranti-pongl-lohri-significance-rituals-9109065/|title=Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and more: Significance of these festivals|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> Rituals including river bathing, preparation of sweets, kite flying, and social activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/brand-studio/makar-sankranti-date-traditions-history-regional-celebrations|title=Makar Sankranti: Date, Traditions, History & Regional Celebrations|work=Outlook India|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
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== | === Ratha Saptami === | ||
[[Ratha Saptami]] falls on [[Saptami]] (seventh lunar day) of Shukla Paksha, and is dedicated to the [[Sun god]] [[Surya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/ratha-saptami-2025-date-time-puja-rituals-and-significance/articleshow/117878304.cms|title=Ratha Saptami 2025: Date, Timings, Puja Rituals and Significance|date=4 February 2025|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> As per [[Hindu mythology]], it marks the day when Surya rides his chariot ([[ratha]]) drawn by seven horses, and marks the coming of spring.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ratha-saptami-marks-birth-of-sun-god-significance-of-surya-jayanti-1803993|title=Ratha Saptami Marks Birth Of Sun God: Significance Of Surya Jayanti|date=24 January 2018|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> People bathe early in the morning and offer prayers to the [[Sun]] for prosperity and health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindutsav.com/ratha-saptami/|title=Ratha Saptami Significance and Date 2025|work=HindUtsav|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
=== Vasant Panchami === | |||
[[Vasant Panchami]] is celebrated on [[Panchami]] (fifth lunar day) thithi of Shukla Paksha. The festival marks the end of winter and welcomes the impending arrival of [[spring (season)|spring]] season ([[Vasanta (season)|Vasanta]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vasant-panchami-2017-all-you-need-to-know-1654343|title=Vasant Panchami 2017 – All You Need To Know|date=1 February 2017|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> It is dedicated to the worship of goddess [[Saraswati]], the patron deity of knowledge, learning and arts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindutsav.com/vasant-panchami/|title=About Vasant Panchami Festival & Vasant Panchami Date 2025|date=9 August 2015|work=HindUtsav|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> People wear bright coloured clothes, symbolising the onset of spring, and often fly [[kites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indif.com/nri/festivals/Vasant_panchami.asp|title=Vasant (Basant) Panchami - The Festival of Kites|work=Indif.com|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> | |||
=== Magha Purnima === | |||
[[Magha Purnima]], observed on the [[full Moon]] day, marks the start of the annual [[Magh Mela]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Magha Purnima 2023: Know The Rituals And Significance |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/magha-purnima-2023-date-rituals-and-significance-3750756 |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> and the [[Kumbh Mela]], held once in twelve years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumbh Mela: Hindu festival| work=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]]|year= 2015|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kumbh-Mela|quote=The main festival is celebrated among four sacred sites in India, each located along the banks of a holy river, in a 12-year cycle.}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar]] | |||
* [[Hindu astrology]] | |||
* [[Hindu calendar]] | |||
* [[Indian astronomy]] | |||
* [[Indian units of measurement]] | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | |||
{{Portal|Hinduism}} | |||
{{Hindu calendar}} | {{Hindu calendar}} | ||
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[[Category:Months of the Hindu calendar|*11]] | [[Category:Months of the Hindu calendar|*11]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:40, 16 March 2026
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Magha (Māgha) is the eleventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar and the Indian national calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Magha nakshatra (star) on the full moon day.[2] The month marks the winter (Shishira) season and falls in January–February of the Gregorian calendar.[3][4][5]
In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the month of Makara and begins with the Sun's entry into Capricorn.[6][7][8] It corresponds to Magh, the tenth month in the Bengali calendar.[8] In the Tamil calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of Masi, falling in the Gregorian months of February–March.[8][9] In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of Madhava.[10][11]
In the Hindu lunar calendar, each month has 29 or 30 days. The month begins on the next day after Amavasya (new moon) or Purnima (full moon) as per amanta and purnimanta systems respectively. A month consists of two cycles of 15 days each, Shukla Paksha (waning moon) and Krishna Paksha (waxing moon). Days in each cycle is labeled as a thithi, with each thithi repeating twice in a month.[12][13]
Festivals[edit | edit source]
Bhishma Ashtami[edit | edit source]
Bhishma Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami (eighth lunar day) thithi of Shukla Paksha (waning moon) of the month. It commemorates the death anniversary of Bhishma, one of the central characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, who chose his time of death during the auspicious Uttarayana period.[14][15] On the day, people perform rituals at river banks to honour him and their ancestors.[16]
Makar Sankranti[edit | edit source]
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that marks the transition of the Sun to Capricorn (Makara), beginning its northward journey (Uttarayana). [17] People celebrate the festival by thanking the Sun and nature for a good harvest.[18] Rituals including river bathing, preparation of sweets, kite flying, and social activities.[19]
Ratha Saptami[edit | edit source]
Ratha Saptami falls on Saptami (seventh lunar day) of Shukla Paksha, and is dedicated to the Sun god Surya.[20] As per Hindu mythology, it marks the day when Surya rides his chariot (ratha) drawn by seven horses, and marks the coming of spring.[21] People bathe early in the morning and offer prayers to the Sun for prosperity and health.[22]
Vasant Panchami[edit | edit source]
Vasant Panchami is celebrated on Panchami (fifth lunar day) thithi of Shukla Paksha. The festival marks the end of winter and welcomes the impending arrival of spring season (Vasanta).[23] It is dedicated to the worship of goddess Saraswati, the patron deity of knowledge, learning and arts.[24] People wear bright coloured clothes, symbolising the onset of spring, and often fly kites.[25]
Magha Purnima[edit | edit source]
Magha Purnima, observed on the full Moon day, marks the start of the annual Magh Mela,[26] and the Kumbh Mela, held once in twelve years.[27]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar
- Hindu astrology
- Hindu calendar
- Indian astronomy
- Indian units of measurement
Notes[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Kenneth W. Morgan, ed. (1987). The Religion Of The Hindus. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 96. ISBN 978-8-120-80387-9.
- ↑ Garima Garg (2022). Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures. Penguin Random House. p. 75. ISBN 978-9-354-92705-8.
- ↑ Helene Henderson, ed. (2005). Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary (Third ed.). Detroit: Omnigraphics. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-780-80982-6.
- ↑ James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M, N-Z (Vol 1 & 2). The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 508. ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8.
- ↑ Robert Sewell; Śaṅkara Bālakr̥shṇa Dīkshita (1896). The Indian Calendar. S. Sonnenschein & Company. pp. 5–11, 23–29.
- ↑ Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 291–293. ISBN 978-0-69112-04-85.
- ↑ Robert Sewell; Śaṅkara Bālakr̥shṇa Dīkshita (1896). The Indian Calendar. S. Sonnenschein & Company. pp. 10–11.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
- ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Hindu calendar". ISKCON. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Hindu calendar". Arya Samaj. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Bhishma Ashtami". The Times of India. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Bhishma Ashtami 2025: Date, Tithi and the Story of Bhishma Pitamah". News9. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Bhishma Ashtami 2025: Date, Time, Significance And Rituals Of This Sacred Fast". Daily Jagran. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Makar Sankranti". Department of Tourism Maharashtra. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and more: Significance of these festivals". The Indian Express. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Makar Sankranti: Date, Traditions, History & Regional Celebrations". Outlook India. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Ratha Saptami 2025: Date, Timings, Puja Rituals and Significance". The Times of India. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Ratha Saptami Marks Birth Of Sun God: Significance Of Surya Jayanti". NDTV. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Ratha Saptami Significance and Date 2025". HindUtsav. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Vasant Panchami 2017 – All You Need To Know". NDTV. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "About Vasant Panchami Festival & Vasant Panchami Date 2025". HindUtsav. 9 August 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Vasant (Basant) Panchami - The Festival of Kites". Indif.com. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Magha Purnima 2023: Know The Rituals And Significance". NDTV. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Kumbh Mela: Hindu festival". Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2015.
The main festival is celebrated among four sacred sites in India, each located along the banks of a holy river, in a 12-year cycle.
