Pausha

Pausha is named for the Pushya nakshatra, which the full moon stands near. It is Shishira, the cold season, in many regions the coldest weeks of the year, with fog over the north Indian plains and the rabi crops of wheat and mustard growing in the fields. The cultural mood is introspective, with warm foods, sesame, jaggery and bonfires.

Many communities treat Pausha as a period when new ventures, weddings and housewarmings are held back, especially in the part before the sun turns north, and the time is kept for japa, scripture and quiet routine. The two Ekadashis are Putrada Ekadashi in the bright half, which is observed by those hoping for children and for the welfare of existing ones, and Tila-related observances such as Sankashti Chaturthi of Ganesha with sesame in the dark half. The month ends with the solar transition of Makar Sankranti, linked to uttarayana, the sun's northward course, and celebrated as Pongal, Lohri and Uttarayan according to region. Pilgrims also gather at Gangasagar and Prayagraj around that time.

Narayana is the presiding deity and Bhaga the Aditya. A real point of confusion is that Sankranti is a solar event, so it can fall inside Pausha in Purnimanta almanacs yet near the start of Magha in Amanta ones. Putrada Ekadashi also appears twice a year in some listings, once in Pausha and once in Shravana, so check which one an almanac names.