Maagh

Maagh, also spelled Magh, is the eleventh month in the Hindu lunisolar calendars used across India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. It generally falls in late January and February of the Gregorian calendar. The name is derived from the nakshatra Magha and the month is defined by specific lunar days and solar transits that structure the calendar in these regions. Maagh is typically a winter month, with regional variations in weather and agricultural activity.

Observances in Maagh include Magh Purnima, the full moon day when pilgrims often undertake river baths, temple visits, and ritual offerings. In Nepal, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Maagh to mark the sun’s transition into Makara rashi; foods such as sesame seeds, yams, and sweet potatoes are commonly eaten. In Assam, Magh Bihu (also called Bhogali Bihu) is celebrated during Maagh to mark the harvest, featuring communal feasts and bonfires known as Meji.

Regionally, Maagh signals the winding down of winter crops and the approach of spring, influencing agricultural and festival calendars. While practices vary, the month is broadly associated with religious observances, acts of charity, temple rituals, and gatherings that reflect its place in the winter-to-spring transition in many communities.