Since the traditional Hindu calendar follows the lunar cycle, Magha's start and end dates vary from year to year, unlike the months of the Hindu solar calendars. Magha is a winter (Shishir Ritu) month. The lunar month of Magha overlaps with the solar month of Makara, which begins with the Sun's entry into Capricorn. Maagha masam the eleventh month as per Hindu lunar calendar is considered as an auspicious month for performing marriages, upanayanam, Gruha Pravesam, Aksharabhyasam etc.