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This year, Drik Panchang states the Sun’s transit into Sagittarius and the following Sagittarius Sankranti will occur on December 15.
Kharmas will last until the Sun exits Sagittarius.
In the Hindu calendar, Kharmas (or Malmas) is considered an inauspicious period occurring twice each year, once during Sagittarius Sankranti and again during Pisces Sankranti. It lasts for about one month each time, prohibiting any auspicious or ceremonial work. According to the Gregorian calendar, Kharmas typically falls around March or April for the first instance and in November or December for the second.
This year, Drik Panchang states that the Sun’s transit into Sagittarius and the following Sagittarius Sankranti will occur on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 10:19 pm, marking the beginning of Kharmas. Since the transition happens at night, auspicious works can be carried out until the Sun officially enters Sagittarius. Sagittarius Sankranti will be accompanied by Shubh Yog (beneficial alignment) throughout the day and Mrigasira Nakshatra until early morning on December 16.
The Sun will remain in Sagittarius for about a month, meaning Kharmas will also last until the Sun exits Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. In the upcoming year, 2025, Capricorn Sankranti or Makar Sankranti will be observed on Tuesday, January 14, marking the end of Kharmas. On this day, Makar Sankranti celebrations will also take place, and auspicious activities may resume.
Activities to Avoid During Kharmas:
- Weddings: No marriages are performed during Kharmas.
- Engagements: Engagement ceremonies are also avoided.
- Daughter’s Sendoff: The ceremonial farewell of a daughter is postponed.
- Sixteen Life Rituals: Important rituals like Mundan (first haircut), Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), and other life milestones are not observed.
- Griha Pravesh (Housewarming): Moving into a new house or beginning construction projects is avoided.
- New Ventures: Starting new businesses or any new ventures is considered inauspicious.
During Kharmas, many choose to focus on spiritual activities and refrain from celebratory or initiatory events until this inauspicious period concludes.
During Kharmas, daily worship and personal spiritual practices are encouraged and remain unrestricted. Devotees can continue observing fasts according to their customs and perform regular prayers. Worshipping one’s Ishta Dev (chosen deity) and engaging in mantra chanting, especially for planetary peace and well-being, are also favourable practices.
