Bhopal: The vibrant sound of wedding clarions will be notably absent this January. Due to the celestial positioning of Venus (Shukra Tara) in an “invisible” or “set” phase, Hindu calendars show zero auspicious dates (Lagna Muhurtas) for the first month of 2026. The wedding season is now set to officially kick off on February 4.
= Basant Panchami without weddings
In a rare astronomical shift, Basant Panchami—the festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati—will be celebrated early on January 23. While this day is traditionally considered an “Abujha Muhurta” (a day so auspicious that no consultation is needed for weddings), the current planetary positions have overruled tradition. Because Venus remains set, no marriages will take place even on this highly coveted date.
= The science of ‘Guru-Shukra’
According to Vedic astrology, the alignment of both Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Shukra) is essential for a prosperous married life. “Venus will rise on February 1,” experts explain. “Since Jupiter governs marital harmony and Venus governs luxury and union, weddings cannot proceed if either planet is dormant.”
