Patna: Khar Maas, a period in the Hindu calendar considered unsuitable for auspicious ceremonies, began on Tuesday with the Sun’s entry into Sagittarius, astrologers said. As the phase starts, weddings, housewarmings, and other major rituals will remain suspended, with normal schedules resuming only after mid-January.
This year, the pause will be longer than usual. Astrologers note that Venus, a key planet governing marriage, will be combust during Khar Maas — a combination seen after eight years — pushing the return of weddings and major rituals to around one and a half months later.
Pandit Rakesh Jha, citing traditional almanacs, said the Sun entered Sagittarius at 1:24 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the formal beginning of Khar Maas. The period will end on the night of January 14, 2026, when the Sun transits into Capricorn at 9:19 p.m., coinciding with Makar Sankranti.
“In Hindu astrology, the Sun is regarded as the ruler of transitions and ascendants,” Jha explained. “Its movement into Sagittarius signals Khar Maas, during which auspicious timings are avoided.”
The Sun’s shift is also believed to influence seasonal changes. During Khar Maas, the Hemant (early winter) season prevails, with shorter days, longer nights, and increased chances of fog, cloud cover, and cold weather. With the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, days gradually begin to lengthen, marking the Sun’s northward journey.
Despite the pause on ceremonies, religious activities such as charity, recitation of sacred texts, Bhagwat Katha, mantra chanting, and Ramayana readings are considered appropriate during this period.
There is, however, one exception. Basant Panchami, falling on January 23, 2026, is regarded as an abujh muhurat — a universally auspicious day — allowing engagements, the start of new businesses, and select purchases.
According to Hindu belief, Khar Maas occurs twice a year, when the Sun enters Jupiter-ruled signs — Sagittarius and Pisces. During these phases, Jupiter is considered weakened, making weddings and similar rituals astrologically unfavourable. For marriage ceremonies, astrologers say the favourable alignment of Jupiter, Venus, and the Moon is essential.
Religious lore attributes the origin of Khar Maas to a myth in which the Sun’s chariot slows as its horses rest, symbolising reduced cosmic momentum for worldly celebrations.
With the Sun set to enter Capricorn in mid-January, auspicious ceremonies are expected to resume after Makar Sankranti, restoring the traditional calendar of weddings and festivals.
