Chanting the Aditya Hridaya Stotram, a hymn dedicated to Suryadev, is another common practice that fosters vitality and mental focus

Khar Maas, a revered period in the Vedic calendar, begins on December 15, 2024, when the Sun enters Sagittarius and concludes on January 14, 2025, with its transition into Capricorn, marking the celebration of Makar Sankranti. This month holds a unique spiritual essence, encouraging individuals to focus on inner growth, devotion, and alignment with divine energies.

The origin of Khar Maas is rooted in an ancient story. It is said that the Sun God, Suryadev, drives his chariot, pulled by seven celestial horses, to maintain the cosmic cycle of day and night. One day, the horses, thirsty and weary, sought a break to drink water. To allow this, Suryadev temporarily replaced them with donkeys. The slower pace of the donkeys extended the journey to thirty days, giving rise to what we now call Khar Maas, as "Khar" means donkey in Sanskrit.

This period is observed as a sacred time for reflection and devotion. However, traditions discourage undertaking new ventures or life events with long-term implications during this month. Weddings, engagements, housewarming ceremonies, groundbreaking rituals, and the establishment of new businesses are avoided. Instead, individuals are encouraged to turn their focus inward, prioritising spiritual practices over material pursuits.

Khar Maas is an ideal time for self-purification and strengthening one's connection to higher energies. Devotees often engage in tapasya (austerities), perform fire rituals (hawans), embark on pilgrimages, and undertake charitable acts. These activities are believed to cleanse the soul, resolve karmic imbalances, and invite divine blessings.

During Khar Maas, fasting is another common spiritual practice observed by many. Fasting is believed to purify the body and mind, allowing individuals to detach from material desires and focus on spiritual upliftment. Consuming sattvic food-pure, vegetarian meals devoid of onion and garlic-is encouraged during this time to maintain a calm and balanced state of mind. Additionally, devotees are advised to recite sacred mantras like the Gayatri Mantra and meditate daily to enhance their connection with the divine. Acts of kindness, such as feeding the poor or supporting those in need, are also emphasised, as they not only cleanse negative karma but also reinforce the spirit of compassion and service.

To maximise the benefits of this spiritually charged month, several practices are traditionally followed. Offering water to the Sun every morning is a powerful ritual that signifies gratitude and invokes clarity and strength. Chanting the Aditya Hridaya Stotram, a hymn dedicated to Suryadev, is another common practice that fosters vitality and mental focus. In the evenings, lighting a ghee diya near Goddess Tulsi is believed to attract positivity, prosperity, and divine protection.

Khar Maas serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, urging us to embrace moments of pause and reflection. While the material world may temporarily slow down, the soul is given an opportunity to grow. This sacred period helps prepare individuals for new beginnings and auspicious endeavours that can commence after Makar Sankranti. As the Sun resumes its celestial journey with renewed vigor, the energy for material and spiritual success flows harmoniously once again.

This month is a gift to recalibrate, focus on devotion, and nurture inner peace. By honouring the practices and teachings of Khar Maas, one can achieve a sense of spiritual fulfilment and create a strong foundation for future endeavours.

— She is a Life Coach and Founder of Soulful Wellness