Maghi Purnima,or Masi Magham s one of the important festival of Hindus. The ritualistic magha snanam commences on Pausha Purnima and ends on Maghi poornima. Those who have not adopted the full month snanam can also have an early morning dip in a holy River or any pond or at home on Magha pournami. Waters just before Sun rise during Magha Masa is capable of purifying one from the sins of Brahmahatya and consumption of alcohol. Everyone irrespective of their age,gender, Creed or ashrama are entitled for this bath. The good result from the bath in a pond is double that when taken at home, 24 times more than that in a lake, 48 times more in a river , 100 times more in a mahanadi , a 1000 times in the Ganga and 10000 times as effective in Prayag. Wherever you bath, think of Prayag. This is also one of the auspicious bath dates of the Kumbhmela at Prayag. On Magha pournami day annadanam ( charity of food) and kambala danam( charity of blanket) are considered auspicious. Let us all perform the Magha Purnima snanam and stay blessed.
In the South Indian households, preparation of Palpayasam in the evening and offering it to the rising Moon is practiced. The payasam is then distributed to children.
This day is also celebrated as Lalita Jayanti. Mata Lalita devi is one of the ten Mahavidyas. Devi Adi sakthi appeared on earth as Lalita to destroy Bhandasura. Maa Durga is also called as Lalita by the devotees. Chanting of Lalita Sahasranama and Lalita trisati is beneficial in the worship of the Divine Mother.