Loading…
Loading…
By Astrologer Praveen Kumar · 18 September 2026 · Updated 3 October 2026
Rajgir Malmas Mela (राजगीर मलमास मेला) is one of the most distinctive gatherings in Bihar. It is held at Rajgir in Nalanda district only when the Hindu calendar adds an extra month — Adhik Maas (अधिक मास), also called Malmas or Purushottam Maas. While weddings and griha pravesh pause across Bihar during this month, lakhs of pilgrims head to Rajgir's hot springs, especially Brahma Kund, for snan, daan and katha. This guide explains what Adhik Maas is astronomically, why auspicious ceremonies are avoided, what is encouraged instead, how the Rajgir mela works, and when it is expected to return.
Quick answer: Adhik Maas is an extra lunar month added roughly every 32 to 33 months so the lunar calendar stays in step with the solar year. Ceremonies like vivah and griha pravesh are avoided in it, but japa, daan and tirtha snan are considered highly meritorious — and Rajgir in Nalanda is the most famous place in Bihar to observe it.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Place | Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar |
| When | Only in Adhik Maas, roughly once every 32 to 33 months |
| Main ritual | Snan at the hot springs, especially Brahma Kund |
| Other names | Malmas, Purushottam Maas, Adhik Maas |
| Avoided in this month | Vivah, griha pravesh, mundan, upanayan, new business, property registration |
| Encouraged | Japa, daan, fasting, Bhagavat katha, tirtha snan, Vishnu worship |
| Most recent | Adhik Jyeshtha, May to June 2026 |
| Nearby districts | Patna, Gaya, Nawada |
The Hindu calendar is lunisolar — months follow the Moon, but the year must stay tied to the Sun so that festivals fall in their proper seasons.
To close the gap, an extra month is inserted. The rule in the classical Surya Siddhanta tradition is simple: each lunar month normally contains one Sankranti — the Sun's entry into a new rashi. When a lunar month passes with no Sankranti at all, it is called Adhik (extra) and takes the name of the following month — for example, Adhik Jyeshtha followed by Nija (regular) Jyeshtha. About seven such months occur in every 19 years.
The rare opposite case, a lunar month containing two Sankrantis, is called Kshaya Maas; it is very uncommon.
| Year | Adhik Maas |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Adhik Shravan (July to August) |
| 2026 | Adhik Jyeshtha (May to June) |
| Next | Expected around 2028 to 2029 — confirm from the Panchang |
The 2026 Adhik Jyeshtha has already passed, so the next Rajgir Malmas Mela will be held whenever the next Adhik Maas falls. Because the calculation depends on exact Sankranti times, always confirm the month from a reliable Panchang.
Muhurta texts such as the Muhurta Chintamani treat Adhik Maas as unsuitable for new beginnings. The reasoning is that a month without Sankranti has no fresh solar impulse; it is "mala" — impure or surplus — for worldly starts. Hence the name Malmas (मलमास).
The Puranic story says that the surplus month, rejected by all deities, was accepted by Lord Vishnu, who gave it his own name — Purushottam. So the month became the best time for spiritual practice:
Rajgir, the ancient Rajagriha, capital of Magadh, is ringed by five hills and is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike. At the foot of Vaibhar hill lie its famous hot springs, with Brahma Kund as the principal pool, along with the Saptadhara (seven streams) and other kunds.
During Adhik Maas, the Malmas Mela turns Rajgir into a large pilgrim town. Local tradition holds that throughout Malmas, all the deities come to reside at Rajgir, so a dip here is said to give the merit of bathing at all tirthas. A well-known folk belief adds that crows are not seen in Rajgir during the mela — told as part of the story that every being there is in a state of devotion.
Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure or other health issues should take medical advice before bathing in hot springs; astrology and tradition complement, and never replace, a doctor's guidance.
Adhik Maas is not "bad" for everyone. It is a pause for worldly beginnings and a strong window for inner work.
| Chart situation | What to do in Adhik Maas |
|---|---|
| Marriage planned soon | Complete kundli matching now; fix the muhurat for after Malmas |
| Weak Jupiter | Vishnu worship, yellow daan on Thursdays |
| Saturn or Rahu dasha | Daily japa, service, simple living |
| Pitru Dosh signs | Tarpan and daan; plan Gaya rites — see our Pitru Dosh Gaya guide |
| Property or business plans | Research and paperwork now; registration and opening after the month |
Not everyone can travel to Rajgir. A home routine keeps the spirit of the month:
Families in Nalanda often combine this home routine with one trip to Rajgir during the month for the kund snan.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Adhik Maas is an unlucky month | It is unsuitable for new worldly starts but excellent for spiritual practice |
| It happens every year | It occurs roughly once every 32 to 33 months |
| Nothing at all can be done | Ongoing work, jobs and routine life continue; only muhurat-based beginnings pause |
| The Malmas Mela is held every year | It is held only when Adhik Maas occurs |
Families from Patna and Gaya are among the largest groups of visitors to the Malmas Mela.
For a Vedic astrology consultation in Nalanda, bring:
Astrologer Praveen Kumar checks the Panchang for Adhik Maas and Kharmas, reads the chart and dasha, and suggests the best windows after the pause, along with remedies for the month itself. Sessions are online, so families in Rajgir, Bihar Sharif and Hilsa can join from home. A Vedic astrology reading, a full kundali analysis or marriage compatibility matching can all be completed before the next Malmas so that no muhurat is missed. Book a Nalanda kundli reading when you start planning your family's next big event.
Book your consultation with Astrologer Praveen Kumar — Contact us today
Adhik Maas is an extra lunar month added to the Hindu lunisolar calendar so that festivals stay aligned with the seasons. A lunar month in which the Sun does not enter a new zodiac sign, meaning no Sankranti occurs, becomes Adhik. It is called Malmas for being unsuitable for auspicious ceremonies, and Purushottam Maas because it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Muhurta texts treat Adhik Maas as unsuitable for new beginnings such as vivah, griha pravesh, mundan, upanayan and starting a business. The month has no Sankranti, so the Sun gives no fresh start within it. Instead, the month is reserved for japa, daan, fasting, tirtha snan and listening to sacred katha, which are considered especially fruitful.
The Malmas Mela is held whenever Adhik Maas occurs, roughly once every 32 to 33 months. The most recent Adhik Maas was Adhik Jyeshtha in May and June 2026, and the previous one was Adhik Shravan in 2023. The next is expected around 2028 to 2029, but the exact month should be confirmed from the Panchang.
Rajgir's hot springs, especially Brahma Kund at the foot of Vaibhar hill, are considered sacred. Tradition holds that during Malmas all the deities reside in Rajgir, so a dip here gives the merit of many tirthas. Pilgrims bathe, offer arghya, give daan and listen to katha. Those with health conditions should consult a doctor before bathing in hot water.
Traditional muhurta practice avoids registering property, griha pravesh and launching a new business in Adhik Maas. Joining a job that is already offered is usually treated more practically, since the decision is not fully in your hands. Where a choice exists, wait for the following month and pick a muhurat from the Panchang and your own chart.
Book a personalised session with Astrologer Praveen Kumar — Bihar's most trusted Vedic astrologer.
Makar Sankranti in Bihar explained — Sun entering Capricorn, dahi-chura, Gaya tilkut, Ganga snan at Patna and Simaria, daan by rashi and the end of Kharmas.
FestivalsVivah Panchami in Sitamarhi and Mithila — Ram-Sita Vivah, Janaki Sthan, Punaura Dham, Janakpur, why families avoid weddings that day, and marriage astrology.
FestivalsMundan muhurat guide for Bihar families: right age, good nakshatras, tithis and weekdays, periods to avoid, Thawe and Ganga ghat customs and step-by-step vidhi.