Poush Month, or Paush Mahina, is the 10th month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra . As per the traditional Gujarati calendar it is the third month. The month is mostly dedicated to spiritual activities. In some regions auspicious events are avoided. The famous Dhanur Masa coincides with the Paush month in many regions.
In North India , the period beginning from Paush Shukla Paksha to end of Magh Krishna Paksha is considered as Khar Mas or inauspicious period. The last day or the Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the Magh Snan.
Not much great importance is given to this month in many parts of western India
In Tamil Nadu, the Margali Masam falls during the Pushya period. The month is dedicated to various rituals and pujas including Pavai Nombu and the rendering of Tiruppavai by Andal. Hanuman Jayanti is also observed on the Amavasi day in the month.
For many people in South India , this is the period of Dhanur Masam and worship of Sri Hari Vishnu is undertaken.
In Andhra Pradesh and other parts of South India , the Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed on the 11th day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon. Various forms of Goddess Lakshmi like Saubhagya Lakshmi, Dhanya Laksmi and Dhana Lakshmi are worshipped during the period. Some traditional Brahmins perform special ritual associated with vedic learning on the Pushya nakshatra in the month.