Since when is Adhikamaas starting? This time Malmas will be for 60 days, not 30, know the complete details here

New Delhi: According to the Hindu calendar, the year 2026 is considered very special, because Jyeshtha month will fall twice this year. Such a combination is rarely formed when an additional month is added to the calendar and the entire year becomes 13 months. In Hindu tradition, this additional month is called Adhikamas or Purushottam month, which is considered extremely sacred from religious and spiritual point of view.

While the Gregorian calendar starts from January 1 every year, the Hindu year starts from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. The process behind this unique astrological phenomenon works to balance the difference in the calculations of the lunar and solar years.

Why does Adhikamas coincide?

The solar year is of 365 days, while the lunar year is of only 354 days. There is a difference of about 11 days between the two every year. If this difference is not balanced from time to time, festivals and seasons will start moving away from their natural timing. To balance this inequality, approximately every 32 months, after 16 days, an additional lunar month is added to the calendar, which is called Adhikamas.

Adhikamas dates and religious significance in 2026

Next year Adhikamas will be from 17th May 2026 to 15th June 2026. In the scriptures, this month has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered extremely auspicious. During this period, special results are obtained by worshiping, donating, fasting, chanting mantras, taking pilgrimage bath and reciting religious texts. For this reason it is called Purushottam month, which means the best month.

Although this month is considered sacred, yet auspicious works like marriage, house warming, naming, bhoomi pujan or starting a new business are not done during this time. There is a religious belief that this time is best only for spiritual practice and dedication to God.

Why is Adhikamas necessary?

If the annual difference of 11 days between the solar and lunar years persists for a long time, seasons, festivals and religious festivals may move off schedule. To prevent this imbalance, a provision has been made for Adhikamas, which is added to the Panchang from time to time to keep the calendar accurate.

Disclaimer: This is based on religious beliefs, JBT does not endorse it.