Shakambari Purnima is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Shakambari, an incarnation of Ishwari (Goddess Shakti), consort of Lord Shiva. She is often called as the ‘Bearer of the Greens’. In 2026, Shakambari Purnima date is January 3.
Shakambari Purnima marks the end or conclusion of Shakambari Navratri. In 2026, Shakambari Navratri begins on Puash Shukla Ashtami (December 28, 2025) and ends on January 3. This 9-day festival is mainly celebrated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka where Shakambari Maa has dedicated temples.
At Badami Banashankari Temple in Karnataka, Nagewadi, Maharashtra, Kumbhoj near Satara, Sharanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Sambhar in Rajasthan, Shakambari Purnima is celebrated with lot of fervor and devotion.
Shakambari Purnima is also referred to as Shakambari Jayanti, the first appearance of Shakambari Mata.
The goddess is believed to have appeared on earth during a severe famine when humanity was suffering from starvation caused by the demon Durgama’s tyranny. She restored life by miraculously producing fruits, vegetables, and grains from her own body and nurturing all creatures.
Significance:
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Shakambhari Purnima marks the culmination of the eight-day Shakambhari Navaratri festival.
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It celebrates the compassion and courage of the goddess who saved humanity by ensuring food and nourishment.
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Devotees worship Goddess Shakambhari to seek relief from hunger, poverty, suffering, and to gain prosperity, health, and well-being.
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The festival emphasizes gratitude for nature’s abundance and the goddess’s protection against calamities.
Rituals:
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Devotees wake early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
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The worship begins with Ganesh puja, followed by worship of Goddess Shakambhari using images or idols placed on a wooden platform covered with a red cloth.
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Offerings include fruits, vegetables, greens, flowers, sweets, and nuts.
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Recitation of Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati, and other devotional scriptures to please the goddess.
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Aarti and prayer sessions are conducted.
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Charity of sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets, and essential items to the needy is customary.
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Devotees fast to invoke the goddess’s blessings for abundance, protection, and fulfillment of desires.
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Special celebrations such as temple decorations, boat rides, and community prayers also take place, especially in regions with significant Shakambhari temples like Saharanpur.
The festival is a reminder of the divine nurturing spirit of Goddess Shakambhari, who symbolizes compassion, sustenance, and victory over darkness and famine.