Malmas Begins Today: What Activities Are Avoided During This Period?

Today marks the beginning of the extra lunar month called Malmas, also known as Purushottam Month. This Malmas will last until Asar 1 (mid-June to mid-July). An additional month is inserted approximately every 3 years to harmonize the lunar and solar calendars, and this is referred to as Malmas or Adhikamasa.

The solar month is based on the movement of the sun, while the lunar month follows the phases of the moon.

According to the Panchang (traditional calendar), a solar year has 365 days, 15 ghadi, 31 pala, and 30 vipala, whereas the lunar year has 354 days, 22 ghadi, 1 pala, and 23 vipala. The lunar year is thus shorter by about 10 days, 53 ghadi, 30 pala, and 7 vipala compared to the solar year.

This difference accumulates into an extra lunar month over time, which is adjusted by observing Malmas.

An Adhikamasa occurs after approximately 2 years, 8 months, 16 days, and 4 ghadi.

This additional month always begins the day after Amavasya (new moon) and lasts until the next Amavasya. The Malmas period generally falls between Falgun and Kartik months.

During this month, certain activities are traditionally avoided based on religious beliefs:

– No weddings, vow ceremonies, or housewarming events are performed.
– Avoid conducting any form of worship or listening to religious texts like the Puranas.
– Temple construction or establishment of deity idols is not undertaken.
– Visiting a pilgrimage site for the first time during Malmas or seeing a deity for the first time during this period is considered inauspicious.
– The Purushottam Mahatmya (spiritual glory) is prominent during this month, believed to lead one towards liberation.
– No new business ventures or projects are initiated.
– Devotees worship Lord Vishnu throughout the month, with rituals dedicated to the Purushottam Mahatmya.
– A special fair is held at Machhe Narayan Temple in Kathmandu throughout this period.