The *Adhik Maas*—also known as *Malmas*—is considered an extremely sacred and auspicious month in Hinduism. Throughout this entire month, the worship of Lord Vishnu, acts of charity, and religious rituals hold special significance. It is believed that if one donates gold accompanied by *Malpuas* (sweet pancakes) to one's son-in-law during this period, happiness, prosperity, and harmony are sustained within the family. According to Pandit Om Tiwari, an astrologer from Patna, the scriptures regard the son-in-law as an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. For this very reason, showing respect to the son-in-law and offering him auspicious gifts during *Malmas* is considered an act of immense spiritual merit. It is said that such acts foster love within relationships and ensure that the divine grace of Lord Vishnu remains upon the home and family.

**Donate Gold and Malpuas to Your Son-in-Law**
According to astrologer Pandit Om Tiwari, the *Shri Krishna Panchang* and various religious scriptures mention 33 deities associated with *Adhik Maas*. Consequently, during this holy month, devotees prepare 33 *Malpuas* and offer them as donations—placed in a bronze bowl alongside *Kheer* (sweet rice pudding) and gold. It is believed that if this donation is offered with deep reverence to a Brahmin, at the feet of Lord Vishnu in a temple, or to one's son-in-law, Lord Vishnu becomes pleased; He fulfills all the devotee's wishes, and happiness and prosperity come to reside in the home.

**What is the Connection Between Malmas and the Son-in-Law?**
According to astrologers, *Adhik Maas* is also referred to as *Purushottam Maas* because this entire month is considered dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In religious tradition, the son-in-law is likewise regarded as an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. During the *Kanyadaan* (giving away of the bride) ritual within the Hindu marriage ceremony, specific mantras are chanted that include the phrase "Vishnu Swarupaya Varaya." This signifies that the bride—who is regarded as an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi—is being entrusted to the groom, who is regarded as an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. This is the reason why the son-in-law of the family is accorded special respect. It is believed that offering donations—such as *Malpuas*, gold, and other items—to one's son-in-law during *Adhik Maas* yields the same spiritual merit as offering donations directly to Lord Vishnu.

**What is Adhik Maas?**
The Hindu calendar (*Panchang*) is calculated based on the movements of the Sun and the Moon. A solar year consists of approximately 365 days and 6 hours, whereas a lunar year is considered to be around 354 days long. Consequently, a discrepancy of approximately 11 days arises between the two each year. Over a period of three years, this discrepancy accumulates to roughly the equivalent of one month. To rectify this imbalance, an extra month is added to the *Panchang* (traditional Hindu calendar). This intercalary month is known as *Adhik Maas* or *Purushottam Maas*.

Astrologer Om Tiwari explains that this time, the rare occurrence of *Adhik Maas* falling during the month of *Jyeshtha* has taken place after a gap of nearly eight years. Before this, *Adhik Maas* occurred during *Jyeshtha* in 2018, during *Ashwin* in 2020, and during *Shravan* in 2023. Meanwhile, the next *Adhik Maas* is scheduled to occur during the month of *Chaitra* in the year 2029.

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