Shubh Muhurat — how it is chosen
An auspicious muhurat for any ceremony is worked out from the five limbs of the panchang — tithi, vaar, nakshatra, yoga and karana. A time when all five are favourable, and Bhadra and Rahu Kaal are avoided, is considered auspicious.
How to pick a shubh muhurat
First check the suitable tithi and nakshatra for the ceremony (each has its own favourable nakshatras). Then check the weekday, avoid Bhadra (Vishti karana) and Rahu Kaal, and finally choose the exact muhurat window (such as Abhijit) on that day. For marriage, matching the couple's charts is also essential.
The "no-muhurat" periods
Chaturmas
From Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla) to Devuthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla) — during these ~4 months, major ceremonies like marriage and Griha Pravesh are not performed.
Kharmas / Malmas
When the Sun is in Sagittarius or Pisces (twice a year, about a month each), auspicious work is avoided.
Guru / Shukra Tara Asta
When Jupiter or Venus is combust (too close to the Sun), marriage and Griha Pravesh are postponed.
Adhik Maas
In a year with an intercalary (leap) month, no ceremonies are held in that extra month.
⚠️ This information is based on traditional panchang calculations and is meant as general guidance. For important ceremonies such as marriage or Griha Pravesh, please confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit or acharya. Timings can shift slightly by city as sunrise and sunset differ.