The religious importance of Adhik Maas is mentioned in many scriptures. Adhika Maasa is an auspicious month for various religious rituals such as upavas (fasting), reciting religious scriptures, mantras, prayers, performing havans, homas, yagnas, etc..
In 2020, Adhik Maas begins on 18 September and ends on 16 October. This year, it is Adhik Ashwin Maas.
Adhika Maasa Vratas
Full day Vrata (day vrata), Naktha Vrata, Vaara Vrata (weekly vrata), Paksha Vrata (fortnight vrata) and Maasa vrata (full month vrata) are observed by many devotees. During this vrata, devotees keep complete fasting, or fasting only without liquids, fasting with fruits only, etc..
The devotees who perform good deeds in this month conquer their senses and will be freed from all the past life sins.
Adhika Maasa – Graha Dosha Nivarana
Performing graha dosha pujas (remedial pujas for graha doshams) is also considered highly auspicious as a part of Adhika Maasa Special Pujas. Based on the horoscopes, individual can perform dosha nivarana poojas to pacify the malefic planets accordingly as it gives ten times results.
Adhika Maasa – Parayana
Accomplishing this sacred month, which comes once in every thirty two months, by performing – Shrimad Devi Bhagavada Parayana, Bhagvat Purana Parayana, Shri Vishnu Purana Parayana, Bhavishyottara Purana Parayana, Sundarakanda Parayana, Ramayana Katha Parayana, etc..