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Ritucharya in Ayurveda is a practice of right living, in harmony with nature. ‘Ritu‘ means season and ‘Charya‘ means routine. Ritucharya consists of Ayurvedic lifestyle changes according to the six seasons of the year. Particularly talking about the seasons in India, they are diverse. It leads to a lot of changes in the body. The digestive system is most affected by the change in weather.

How Many Seasons In India?

Ritucharya in Ayurveda divides a year into two time periods (Kaal) – Adaan Kaal and Visarga Kaal. Each time period consists of three seasons. So, there are six seasons in a year. In Adaan Kaal/ Uttaryana or Northern Solstice, the sun and wind are powerful. The energy and strength of people drop. However, in Visarga Kaal/ Dakshinayana or Southern Solstice, people gain their energy with the cool elements increasing in the environment. This forms the 6 seasons of the year.

6 Seasons Of The Year

1. Shishir Ritu

It is the winter season beginning from mid-January and ending around mid-March. Shishir Ritu among the six seasons in India is cold as well as windy. According to the Ayurvedic lifestyle, Kapha Dosha increases in Shishir Ritu.

2. Vasant Ritu

One of the most pleasant seasons in India, Vasant Ritu (Spring season) spans from mid-March to mid-May. It is a season of flowering and greenery. Ritucharya in Ayurveda believes that a person’s agni (digestion) becomes weak. Therefore, certain Ayurvedic lifestyle changes are a must. One should have light as well as easily digestible meals during this season.

3. Grishma Ritu

The summer season is known as Grishma Ritu as described by Ritucharya in Ayurveda. It starts from mid-May and lasts till mid-July. Grishma Ritu is the warmest season among the 6 seasons of the year. During this season, Vata Dosha deposits in the body and agni turns mild. Therefore, adopt a healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle by reducing Vata inducing activities.

4. Varsha Ritu

Among the six seasons of the year, Varsha Ritu is significant for farmers. It is the season of monsoon bringing rain and relief from extreme summers. Ritucharya in Ayurveda informs that monsoons commence from mid-July and last till mid-September. Varsha Ritu among other seasons in India observes active Vata Dosha as well as Pitta Dosha.

5. Sharad Ritu

Mid-September inaugurates Sharad Ritu (Autumn season) which lasts till mid-November. It is another pleasant season with clear skies. Pitta dosha vitiates, and agni rises in Sharad Ritu. An Ayurvedic lifestyle advises eating food only when you are hungry and not just when you can or want to.

6. Hemant Ritu

Hemant Ritu (pre-winters) is the antecedent of Shishir Ritu. It is denoted by chilly winds and generally cold environment. It stars from mid-November to mid-January. The energy and stamina of an individual are strongest in this season among the other six seasons of the year.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.