The full moon day of Paush month is an important day in Hindu religion. The holy bath of Magh month begins with the full moon of Paush month. The full moon of the nation is also called Shakambhari Purnima. This day is considered auspicious in North India. On this day thousands of people take holy bath in the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
On the full moon day of Paush month, thousands of people come to Haridwar and Prayagraj to take a holy bath in the river Ganges. Despite it being winter, people have to take a bath in the holy water of Maa Ganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in the Ganges on this day one gets rid of all sins and even attains 'Moksha'. Haridwar and Prayagraj have other major pilgrimage sites like Nashik, Ujjain and Varanasi.
On the day of Paush Purnima, holy bath at 'Dashashwamedh Ghat' in Varanasi, 'Triveni Sangam' in Prayag, 'Har Ki Pauni' in Haridwar and 'Ram Ghat' in Ujjain is considered highly auspicious and important. It is believed that the holy dip on the auspicious day of Paush Purnima liberates the soul from the constant cycle of birth and death.
If a person cannot go to these pilgrimage places, then he can take a bath on this day before sunrise with the water of a river, pond, well, etc. could. After this Lord Vasudeva is worshipped. After the worship is over, after feeding the Brahmins, they send them away by giving donations. Lord Vasudeva is pleased with this.
Lord 'Satyanarayana' fast is also observed on the day of Paush Purnima and Lord Vishnu is worshiped with full devotion. After fasting for the whole day, the story of 'Satyanarayana' should be recited. Special prasad is prepared to offer to the deity. Finally an 'Aarti' is performed after which the Prasad is distributed among all. On the day of Paush Purnima, special 'Pushyabhishek Yatra' is celebrated in the temples of Lord Krishna all over India. Lectures on Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita are also organized on this day.
Donating on the day of Paush Purnima is also very auspicious. It is believed that donations made on this day easily bear fruit. Under 'Anna Daan' free food is served to the needy in temples and ashrams.
Taking a bath in the Ganges on this day gets rid of all sins and even attains 'Moksha'.
Shakambhari Jayanti is also celebrated during Paush Purnima. The followers of ISKCON and Vaishnava sect begin the Pushyabhishek Yatra on this day.
The tribes living in rural areas of Chhattisgarh celebrate Charta Parv (Chhirta Parv) on Paush Purnima.