Pausha Purnima and Shakambhari Jayanti: A Divine Occasion for Maha Annadan Sewa

Pausha Purnima and Shakambhari Jayanti, falling on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, is a highly auspicious occasion for performing Maha Annadan Sewa—food donation—in Varanasi, especially at temples dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari. This sacred service is known to invoke blessings for prosperity, nourishment, and spiritual merit, and is actively organized by Kashi Archan Foundation with various participation options for devotees.​

Significance of Pausha Purnima & Shakambhari Jayanti

Pausha Purnima marks the full moon of the sacred Pausha month, widely regarded for spiritual cleansing and gaining punya (merit). This occasion marks the first full moon of the Hindu New Year cycle and the beginning of Shakambhari Navaratri celebrations. Shakambhari Jayanti, celebrated on this day, venerates Goddess Shakambhari—the divine incarnation of Durga, the deity of nourishment and abundance—who is believed to ensure no one goes hungry in Kashi and symbolizes the divine importance of vegetation, food, and sustenance in creating and maintaining all life.​

Mythological Importance

According to legend, when the malevolent asura Durgamasura deprived the earth of nourishment and caused drought and scarcity, Goddess Parvati assumed the compassionate form of Shakambhari and manifested with hundred eyes to restore food to creation. Pouring incessant tears from her celestial eyes that became healing rivers, the goddess generated abundant vegetables, fruits, roots, and herbs from her own divine body, saving all creatures from famine and restoring the sacred Vedas to the Brahmins. The day celebrates abundance, teaches respect for nourishment, and instills charitable values in society, emphasizing that true wealth lies in ensuring the welfare and nutrition of all beings.​

Maha Annadan Sewa: Essence & Rituals

Annadan, or food donation, is considered the highest charity in Sanatan Dharma. On Shakambhari Jayanti, distributing food with devotion is said to invoke immediate divine blessings, karmic purification, and ancestral liberation. Maha Annadan Sewa in Kashi on this day includes:​

Cooked satvik meals served to sadhus, Brahmins, the poor, pilgrims, children, and widows.​

Meals are prepared with purity and first offered to Maa Shakambhari before distribution.​

Vedic rituals, mantras, and collective prayers accompany the food donation, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.​

Hygiene, respect, and eco-friendly plate traditions (such as leaf plates) are encouraged to honor the goddess's connection to the earth and vegetation.​

Pausha Purnima Special Shakambhari Jayanti Maha Annadan Sewa: An Unparalleled Opportunity

Pausha Purnima Special Shakambhari Jayanti Maha Annadan Sewa on this divine occasion is an unparalleled opportunity to gain spiritual merit, help the needy, and experience the infinite blessings of Goddess Shakambhari in sacred Kashi. Devotees can participate through Kashi Archan Foundation, ensuring their name is included in holy rituals and benefiting from the abundance and grace associated with this festival of sustenance and divine nourishment.​

Participation in Kashi Archan Foundation Maha Annadan Sewa

Kashi Archan Foundation organizes major festival-specific Annadan campaigns, including a grand Shakambhari Jayanti Maha Annadan Sewa in Varanasi:

Eligibility: Devotees worldwide can participate (in-person or online booking).​

Inclusions: Seva performed in your name and gotra, with digital certificate, photos/videos of the event, and details of mantras/offering.​

Purpose: Sewa may be offered for personal wishes, ancestor remembrance, child welfare, or as a spiritual benefaction.