Paush Month 2024 Begins Today: Know the significance, important events, and all you need to know

Paush Month 2024 Begins Today (Image: AI/Canva)

Paush Month 2024 Begins Today: The Hindu calendar month of Paush starts today, 16th December 2024, and goes up to 14th January 2025. This Hindu lunar month out of ten belongs to margashisha and is also termed as Poush or Poos, which is highly sacred in Hindu worship and sacraments. According to the scriptures, the Paush month is devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the Sun God and the fore-fathers.

As in other religious customs, the devotees recite special prayers, conduct various rites and ceremonies, perform special actions to invoke the deity’s blessings, intending to eliminate the hindrances conciding them and to sanctify themselves during this auspicious time. Wondering why Paush is important and the various things to do this month? Here is all the information you need.

Significance of Paush Month

In the Hindu calendar, Paush is looked as a month during which people try to gain as much spiritual wisdom as possible. It is a time for sacrifice and commitment and sharing. It is a tradition that if a person pays his respects to Lord Vishnu and Surya Dev during this time it opens the door to prosperity and good health. Great importance is attached to the performance of charitable and ancestral rites to achieve God’s favor as well as religious obligations.

The Puja of solar deity is also performed in the month of Paush symbolizing energy, health and vigor. It is said that during this time adhering to the prescribed protocols purifies the mind and body, as well as the soul.

Five peculiar norms to be adopted strictly during Paush month: 

1. Sun Worship: Sacrificing and worshipping the god of sun is one of the most performed practices during the Paush month. Copper patra is used to pour water to the Sun as part of Arghya every morning by the devotees. Especially while pouring the water one has to face the Sun, since it helps to wash away sorrows and hardships.
2. Worship Lord Vishnu: There is a great importance of devotion of lord Vishnu during this month. It is considered lucky to read the holy scriptures besed on the gita such as the Bhagavad Gita. Both red and yellow colour apparels are recommended for the worshippers to ensure they get the blessings from Lord Vishnu.
3. Charity and Donations: It is believed that feeding a brahmân, giving water to a Flavor, or in general charitable actions during the month of Pausha are pious deeds. Devotees are encouraged to donate: - Blankets and warm clothes - Jaggery - Sesame seeds (til) -Some of the other als also including the necessities to the needy -Besides, Pind Daan can be donated in order to ensure that souls of ancestors get the desired peace. It is believed that this charitable act would help in clearing one’s karma and help get blessings of the Pitras.
4. Observing Fasts: Religiously, fasting in the Paush month is highly welcomed and appreciated. It is advised to take less salt and fast on Sunday for worshiping Sun God Surya Dev Because the worship of Surya Dev with rice or Khichdi on this day is more preferable.
5. Following a Satvik Diet: No meat, fish or eggs should be eaten during this month, that is why during this period it is better to avoid any non-vegetarian products. People have always considered it crucial to keep off meats and take as little alcohol as possible for a healthy life and spiritual reasons.

The best way to turn this month to your advantage is by adopting the culture and activities that are related to the Paush month. May the coming holy days be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity r you and your family.