Adhik Maas will make the Hindu calendar a 13-month year as the extra Jyeshtha month falls between May 17 and June 15
The Hindu lunar calendar will include an additional month in 2026, making it a 13-month year. This extra period, known as Adhik Maas, will occur from 17 May to 15 June 2026. The year will therefore feature a double Jyeshtha month, which appears once every 32 to 33 months to realign the lunar and solar calendars.
Understanding What Adhik Maas Means
Adhik Maas is also known as Malam Maas and Purushottam Maas. It is added because the lunar calendar has about 354 days while the solar calendar has around 365 days. To correct this gap and prevent festivals from shifting away from their seasonal timings, an extra lunar month is inserted.
According to tradition, no deity was originally associated with this month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu accepted it, which is why the period is now regarded as Purushottam Maas and considered spiritually significant. It is treated as a time for devotion, meditation and charity.
Dates and Impact of Adhik Maas in 2026
Adhik Jyeshtha Maas in 2026 will begin on 17 May and conclude on 15 June. This makes the Hindu year a 13-month year instead of the usual 12. The extra month helps bring lunar months back in alignment with solar seasons. As a result, festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Navratri and others continue to fall in their appropriate seasonal periods.
Spiritual Practices Recommended During This Period
Adhik Maas is not used for celebrations but is considered ideal for spiritual activities. Devotees typically use this month to worship Lord Vishnu, chant mantras, read holy scriptures, meditate and engage in acts of charity. It is regarded as a powerful time for personal reflection, discipline and purification.
Rituals and Ceremonies Usually Avoided
Many communities avoid performing major auspicious ceremonies during Adhik Maas. Events that are commonly postponed include marriages, housewarming rituals, naming ceremonies, Bhoomi Pujan, property-related rituals and the launch of new businesses or important ventures. These activities usually resume after the month ends.
Why This Extra Month Matters for Festivals and Seasons
If Adhik Maas were not added, the lunar calendar would lag behind the solar calendar by about 11 days each year. Over time, major festivals would begin to fall in the wrong seasons. The insertion of this extra month prevents such drift, helping maintain proper alignment between traditional festivals, agricultural cycles and seasonal patterns.
Important Points for People in 2026
The period from 17 May to 15 June 2026 is considered suitable for spiritual growth rather than celebrations. People are advised to avoid major life events during this time and focus on prayer, meditation, reading scriptures and charitable works. Regional traditions may have slight variations, so consulting a local panchang is also helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is Adhik Maas added to the calendar?
It is added to balance the difference between the lunar year and the solar year, which prevents festivals from shifting out of their seasons.
- Which months become double in 2026?
The year 2026 will have a double Jyeshtha month, with one regular Jyeshtha and one Adhik Jyeshtha.
- Can marriages be performed during Adhik Maas?
Traditionally, marriages and other major auspicious ceremonies are avoided during this period.
- Is Adhik Maas considered inauspicious?
It is not inauspicious. It is considered spiritually powerful but not suitable for material or new beginnings.
- What should devotees ideally do during Adhik Maas?
Devotees are encouraged to pray, chant, read scriptures, meditate, perform charity and focus on self-discipline.
