While the Western world generally recognizes four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter), the traditional Hindu calendar (and Ayurveda) brilliantly divides the Indian year into Six Seasons (known as Ritus), based on precise climatic changes.
The famous Sanskrit poem Ritusamhara (The Medley of Seasons), which beautifully describes all these six seasons, was written by the legendary classical poet Kalidasa.
Here are the 6 seasons in order, along with their English equivalents and the months they fall in:
Vasant Ritu (वसंत ऋतु) - Spring Months: Mid-February to Mid-April. Details: The season of blooming flowers, pleasant weather, and the festival of Holi.
Grishma Ritu (ग्रीष्म ऋतु) - Summer Months: Mid-April to Mid-June. Details: The hottest season, characterized by scorching heat and mangoes.
Varsha Ritu (वर्षा ऋतु) - Monsoon Months: Mid-June to Mid-August. Details: The rainy season, bringing relief from the heat, crucial for farming.
Sharad Ritu (शरद ऋतु) - Autumn Months: Mid-August to Mid-October. Details: Clear skies, cooling weather, and festivals like Navratri and Diwali.
Hemant Ritu (हेमंत ऋतु) - Pre-Winter Months: Mid-October to Mid-December. Details: The transition phase where the weather turns noticeably cold.
Shishir Ritu (शिशिर ऋतु) - Winter Months: Mid-December to Mid-February. Details: The peak of winter, with freezing temperatures in the north and fog.
In Ayurveda, recognizing these 6 Ritus is extremely important. The ancient texts prescribe 'Ritucharya' (seasonal routines) which dictate exactly what type of food to eat and what lifestyle to follow in each specific season to avoid falling sick.
**Vasant Ritu (Spring)** is celebrated as the King of Seasons (Rituraj) because the harsh winter is over, the burning summer hasn't begun, and nature is at its most beautiful, blooming phase.
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