Magha Masam Date and Festivals 2024
1. Sat Feb 10 - Magha Masam begins2. Wed Feb 14 - Vasant / Sri Panchami
3. Fri Feb 16 - Ratha Sapthami
4. Sat Feb 24 - Magha Purnima / Maha Maghi
5. Fri Mar 8th - Maha Sivaratri
Maagha Maasam is the 11th month in the Hindu calender. This month is considered as one of the most auspicious months for the Hindus besides Kartika Maasam. These months are considered very important for performing marriages, grihapravesam and other auspicious functions.
Religious Significance of Magha Maasam
It is believed that the Hindu Goddess of wisdom and learning - Goddess Saraswati, the Sun God or Surya Bhagawan and Lord Shiva in the lingam form were born in this month. On the fifth day in the brighter half of the moon, Basant Panchami / Saraswati Pooja is celebrated across the country.The month of maagh is dedicated to Lord Surya and people worship Sun god on four Sundays of Maagha maasam. Reciting Aditya Hrudyam on four Sundays of the month would be very effective. The famous Surya Narayana Temple at Arasavalli in Srikakulam Distrtict of Andhra Pradesh is heavily crowded with devotees. Even the famous Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is thronged with tourists on the Sundays particularly on the Ratha Saptami day.
Social significance of Magha masam
Magha masam in India marks the beginning of the most awaited spring season and the end of the dry winter season. As the nature starts blooming once again with the growth of fresh new leaves and flowers all around, this is the most favorite season of the people.Important festivals in Magha Maasam
- Basant Panchami is the day when Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and it is celebrated on the 5th day in the brighter side of the moon.
- On the 7th day, Ratha Saptami is celebrated which is day fully dedicated to Lord Surya.
- On the 11th day of the month Bheeshma Ekadasi is celebrated. It is believed that on this auspicious day Bheesma Pitamaha - the grand old man of the Kuru vamsh left his mortal body after a long lying on the bed of arrows.