Masi Magam

The festival is celebrated on that day during the Masi month when the full moon aligns with the Magha star (Nakshatra) and therefore is considered a very powerful full moon day. This occurs only once a year and is considered very auspicious. Magha is considered the birth star of ancestors and kings. It is believed that during this day, the descent of the heavenly being to the earth clears the Karma of humans. This day is believed to combine the full moon’s prosperity with the divine abundance of the Magha star. Thus, this day is a unique opportunity to tap into your divine self and gain spirituality.

1. The Colourful Procession On this day, idols of Lord Shiva, Shakti, and Vishnu are given a bath in the Bay of Bengal or Theerthavari. A procession of a number of devotees is organized and people walk while carrying the temple idols to the seashores or even local ponds, and rivers. A South Indian acoustic instrument Nadhaswaram is also carried along in addition to the idols. Some temples also perform Ashwa pooja and Gaja pooja to bring happiness and riches to the devotees.

2. Holy Dip The devotees too take a bath in the holy water with a belief that it would wash away all their sins. It is also believed that on this festival, whoever takes a dip in the holy waters attains Moksha.