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Margashirsha, the ninth month of the Hindu calendar, is deeply revered in Sanatan Dharma and regarded as highly auspicious.
Margashirsha runs from Saturday, November 16, to Sunday, December 15.
Margashirsha, the ninth month of the Hindu calendar, holds immense significance in Sanatan Dharma and is often regarded as one of the most sacred months, also known as Agahan, this holy month falls during November and December in the Gregorian calendar. Margashirsha is closely associated with the worship of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with numerous fasts and festivals throughout its course. In 2024, Margashirsha begins on Saturday, November 16, and concludes on Sunday, December 15, coinciding with Margashirsha Purnima.
Significance of Margashirsha
Margashirsha is considered a divine month that reflects the essence of Lord Krishna’s teachings and blessings. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares, “Among months, I am Margashirsha” (Chapter 10, Verse 35), highlighting its spiritual importance. Devotees often observe fasts, engage in special prayers, and perform rituals to seek blessings and spiritual growth during this period.
Beginning of Margashirsha 2024
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Margashirsha begins on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This year, the Pratipada Tithi starts at 2:58 AM on Saturday, November 16, and ends at 11:50 PM on the same day. Based on Udayatithi (sunrise-based calculations), the month is considered to commence on November 16.
End of Margashirsha 2024
Margashirsha concludes on December 15, marking the day of Margashirsha Purnima, which is also the full moon of the month. As per Hindu tradition, each lunar month begins on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha and ends on the Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon).
Auspicious Yogas on the First Day
The first day of Margashirsha 2024 is particularly auspicious, as it features three rare and beneficial yogas:
Parigh Yoga – This yoga will remain active from sunrise until 11:48 PM.
Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga – A highly favourable period for success in endeavours, it will last from 7:28 PM to 6:45 AM the following day.
Amrit Siddhi Yoga – Known for its spiritual potency, this yoga aligns with Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga during the same timeframe.
Additionally, the Krittika Nakshatra will prevail until 7:28 PM, enhancing the day’s sanctity.
Key Fasts and Festivals in Margashirsha 2024
The month is marked by a series of important festivals and vrat (fasts), each with its unique significance:
- November 16: Scorpio Solstice
- November 18: Ganaadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi
- November 22: Kalabhairav Jayanti
- November 23: Kalashtami
- November 26: Utpanna Ekadashi
- November 28: Pradosh Vrat
- November 29: Masik Shivaratri
- November 30: Darsha Amavasya
- December 6: Vivah Panchami
- December 7: Champa Shashthi
- December 8: Bhanu Saptami
- December 11: Geeta Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi
- December 12: Matsya Dwadashi
- December 13: Pradosh Vrat
- December 14: Dattatreya Jayanti
- December 15: Sagittarius Sankranti and Margashirsha Purnima
Each of these occasions is accompanied by specific rituals and offerings, making Margashirsha a spiritually enriching month for devotees.