Starting December 15, 2024, Kharmas, also known as Malmas or Dhanurmas, will begin, marking a month-long period when auspicious activities like marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and other religious rituals are traditionally avoided in Hindu culture.

What is Kharmas?

Kharmas occurs when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi). This year, the transition will happen on Sunday, December 15, at 10:19 PM, as per the Hindu Panchang. Kharmas will end on January 14, 2025, when the Sun transitions into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), coinciding with Makar Sankranti, after which auspicious events can resume.

The Significance of Kharmas

According to Hindu mythology, during Kharmas, the Sun God’s chariot, traditionally pulled by seven horses, slows down as it is replaced by donkeys (khar), giving this period its name. Scriptures consider this time inauspicious for initiating new ventures, religious ceremonies, or festive activities like weddings, engagements, or housewarming ceremonies.

Kharmas occurs twice a year—once when the Sun enters Sagittarius (December-January) and again when it transitions into Pisces (March-April).

Activities During Kharmas

While auspicious ceremonies are avoided, Kharmas is considered an ideal time for:

Worship of the Sun God:Offering water (Arghya) to the Sun during sunrise.

Spiritual Practices:Chanting, meditation, and religious donations are believed to bring blessings and remove obstacles.

Charity: Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy and feeding cows with green grass is considered highly meritorious.

Holy Baths: Bathing in sacred rivers is believed to cleanse sins and bestow positive energy.

Shubh Muhurats Before Kharmas Begins

For those planning auspicious events, the two days before Kharmas—December 13 and 14—offer favorable timings with several auspicious yogas: December 13 (Shukra Pradosh Vrat) Gajakesari Yoga: Starts at 3:04 PM Ravi Yoga: 7:50 AM (Dec 13) to 5:48 AM (Dec 14) Shiva Yoga: Until 11:54 AM Brahma Muhurat: 5:16 AM to 6:11 AM Abhijit Muhurat: 11:55 AM to 12:36 PM December 14 (Margashirsha Purnima) Gajakesari Yoga: All day Sarvartha Siddhi & Amrit Siddhi Yogas: 7:06 AM (Dec 14) to 3:54 AM (Dec 15) Brahma Muhurat: 5:17 AM to 6:11 AM Abhijit Muhurat: 11:55 AM to 12:37 PM

With Kharmas beginning on December 15, those planning auspicious activities are advised to complete them by December 14.

During this month, devotees can focus on spiritual practices, charity, and the worship of the Sun God to attract blessings and overcome life’s challenges. Kharmas will conclude on January 14, 2025, allowing the resumption of auspicious ceremonies.