In the year 2026, Adhik Maas will occur during the month of Jyeshtha, from May 17 to June 15. Religious rituals, fasts, and worship performed during this period are considered to have special significance. Adhik Maas is essential for maintaining the alignment between the year and the seasons, and it is advised to postpone auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, housewarmings, naming ceremonies, etc.
Adhik Maas: In the year 2026, Adhik Maas will be observed from May 17 to June 15, falling within the Jyeshtha month. According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, this will be a rare year with 13 months. During this period, religious activities like chanting (jap), penance (tap), charity (daan), Vishnu worship, and pilgrimages hold special significance. Conversely, it is advised to postpone auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, housewarmings, and the initiation of new businesses. The purpose of Adhik Maas is to maintain balance between the year and the seasons, which positively impacts both religious and social life.
When will Adhik Maas 2026 occur?
According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, the year 2083 will have 13 months. As per the Gregorian calendar, Adhik Maas in 2026 will be from May 17 to June 15. This means Adhik Maas will fall within the Jyeshtha month. During this period, chanting (jap), penance (tap), worship of Lord Vishnu, pilgrimages, and religious rituals are considered to have special significance.
According to religious beliefs, actions performed during Adhik Maas are manifold fruitful. It is considered a time for accruing merit (punya) and spiritual growth. The significance of religious deeds and fasts observed in this month has been elaborated upon in several Puranas.
Why does Adhik Maas occur?
In the Hindu calendar (Panchang), years and months are calculated based on the Sun and Moon. A difference arises between the solar year and the lunar year approximately every three years. The lunar months accumulate to 33 compared to 32 solar months. To reconcile this discrepancy, the system of Adhik Maas was introduced.
Ancient sages implemented this system centuries ago to maintain harmony between the year and the seasons. If Adhik Maas did not exist, the month of Sawan would sometimes fall in winter and sometimes in summer. Similarly, Holi and other festivals would not be celebrated at the appropriate time according to the seasons.
The year in which Adhik Maas occurs is also significant because it results in a 13-month year. It is considered special from a religious perspective as well, because the rewards for religious deeds performed during this period are multiplied many times over.
Religious Significance of Adhik Maas
According to religious scriptures, the significance of fasts and worship performed during Adhik Maas is many times greater than in a regular month. Acts of devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu are considered especially beneficial during this month.
- Chanting (Jap) and Penance (Tap): The fruits of chanting and penance performed during this period last for a long time.
- Charity (Daan) and Service: Donating to the poor and needy holds special significance.
- Worship (Puja-Paath): Worshipping Vishnu, Ganesha, and other deities is believed to yield special rewards.
According to religious beliefs, undertaking pilgrimages during Adhik Maas is also an act of merit. The fruits of charity and service performed during a pilgrimage are considered greater compared to a regular month.
Activities to Avoid During Adhik Maas
Although Adhik Maas is a time for accumulating merit, it is advised to postpone certain auspicious and propitious activities during this period. This month is also known as Malmas and is not considered favorable for auspicious undertakings.
- Weddings and marriage-related ceremonies
- Housewarmings, buying a house, or purchasing new land
- Upanayana (sacred thread) ceremony and naming ceremonies
- Initiation of any new business or venture
According to religious beliefs, performing these activities during Adhik Maas may adversely affect their auspiciousness. Therefore, people plan to carry out these tasks after Adhik Maas.
Adhik Maas and Lifestyle
During Adhik Maas, certain lifestyle changes are also adopted. Many people embrace vegetarianism and dedicate more time to religious rituals. Cleanliness and worship in homes and temples hold special significance.
According to religious scriptures, one should exercise restraint even in ordinary daily activities during Adhik Maas. This month is considered a time for self-control, meritorious deeds, and spiritual development.
Adhik Maas of 2026 and its Social Significance
Adhik Maas is significant not only from a religious perspective but also from a social one. It is a time for fostering harmony and camaraderie within families and society. During this period, people fulfill their social duties through festivals, fasts, and charity.
Furthermore, Adhik Maas ensures that the timing of annual festivals and seasons remains correct. Festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Sawan are celebrated in their appropriate seasons. Thus, Adhik Maas is essential not only from a religious standpoint but also from social and seasonal perspectives.
