Margashirsha

Overview

Margashirsha is the ninth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in November or December. The month was historically the first month of the Hindu year before later astronomical reforms moved the year start to Chaitra. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna identifies himself with this month, declaring that of all months he is Margashirsha — a statement that has elevated the month's spiritual standing across all Vaishnava traditions.

Notable Festivals

The Mokshada Ekadashi, falling on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Margashirsha, is observed as Gita Jayanti, commemorating the day on which Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The month is regarded as particularly auspicious for pilgrimages, charitable giving, and Vishnu worship. The Datta Jayanti — birth of the syncretic deity Dattatreya — falls on the full moon of Margashirsha.