What is the significance of the Margashirsha month in Hinduism?

Margashirsha is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar. Lord Krishna states in the Gita that he is Margashirsha among months. It is dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi worship.

When is Margashirsha Purnima in 2026?

In 2026, Margashirsha Purnima falls on December 24th (Thursday). It is also celebrated as Dattatreya Jayanti.

What are the benefits of Margashirsha Guruvar Puja?

Performing Lakshmi Puja on Margashirsha Thursdays (Guruvar) brings financial stability, removes debts, and ensures peace and prosperity in the household.

What foods are prepared during Margashirsha month?

Satvik food is preferred. Traditional dishes include Kheer (sweet rice pudding), Khichdi, and sweets made from sesame and jaggery.

Festivals

Margashirsha Month 2026: Dates, Significance, Purnima & Amavasya Puja

26 January 202611 February 2026
by Nishchay Chaturvedi

Lord Krishna playing the flute during the auspicious Margashirsha month

Margashirsha Month 2026: The Month of Lord Krishna

Margashirsha is the ninth month of the Hindu calendar and holds immense spiritual significance. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares, “Maasonam Margashirshoham”—meaning, “Among the months, I am Margashirsha.”

This month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. It is the ideal time for spiritual growth, performing Pitra Puja (ancestral worship), and seeking blessings for longevity and prosperity.

Table of Contents

📅 Margashirsha 2026 Key Dates

🌑 Margashirsha Amavasya
Date: December 9, 2026 (Wednesday)
Best for: Pitra Tarpan & Charity

🌕 Margashirsha Purnima
Date: December 24, 2026 (Thursday)
Best for: Satyanarayan Puja

*Dates are based on Indian Standard Time (IST).

Significance of Margashirsha in Hinduism

Margashirsha (Agrahayana) usually falls in November or December. In the Satyuga era, the Hindu year began with this month. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi during this time removes all hindrances and brings Moksha (salvation) to the departed souls.

✨ Spiritual Benefits:

Lakshmi Puja: Observing fasts on Thursdays (Guruvar) brings wealth and stability.
Holy Dip: Bathing in holy rivers like Ganga or Yamuna during Brahma Muhurat is highly auspicious.
Pitra Dosha Nivarana: Performing Tarpan on Amavasya appeases ancestors and removes Pitra Dosha.

Margashirsha Rituals & Traditions

To make the most of this auspicious month, devotees should follow these Vedic traditions:

1. Daily Worship

Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” daily. Offer Tulsi leaves and perfume (Ittar) to Lord Krishna.

2. Thursday Lakshmi Puja

Perform the Margashirsha Guruvar Vrat. Establish a Kalash and offer yellow flowers to Mahalakshmi.

3. Holy Bath & Charity

Take a bath before sunrise. Donating warm clothes and food (Annadaan) to the needy is considered equal to performing a Yagya.

4. Bhagavad Gita Path

Reciting chapters from the Gita or listening to the Bhagavat Purana is highly recommended during this month.

Margashirsha Amavasya & Purnima 2026

🌑 Margashirsha Amavasya (Dec 9, 2026)

This day is dedicated to ancestors. The eldest male member usually performs Pitra Tarpan to bring peace to the souls of the deceased. Consuming Satvik food and donating to Brahmins is essential on this day.

🌕 Margashirsha Purnima (Dec 24, 2026)

Celebrated as Dattatreya Jayanti. Devotees observe the Satyanarayan Vrat on this day. It is believed that performing Satyanarayan Puja on this Purnima resolves family disputes and brings abundance.

Book Pandit for Margashirsha Puja

To ensure the Puja is performed with correct Vedic mantras and Vidhi, book an experienced Pandit through SmartPuja.

Available in: Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and more.

Book Satyanarayan Puja 📞 Call: 080-61160400

Conclusion

Margashirsha is a month of devotion, discipline, and divinity. By following the rituals of this month, you can cleanse your soul and invite the blessings of Lord Krishna into your life. Whether it is Lakshmi Puja or Satyanarayan Puja, SmartPuja.com is here to assist you with hassle-free religious services.