The traditional six-season framework is deeply rooted in the , which translates to "seasonal routine". This ancient science prescribes specific lifestyle and dietary changes for each ritu to maintain physical and mental balance.
| Ritu (Season) | Months (Approx) | Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Spring) | Mar - May | Blooming flowers, pleasant weather | | Grishma (Summer) | May - July | Hot winds, ripening fruits | | Varsha (Monsoon) | July - Sept | Rain, greenery, sowing | | Sharad (Autumn) | Sept - Nov | Clear skies, festivals, cool breeze | | Hemant (Pre-Winter) | Nov - Jan | Mild cold, harvest, dew | | Shishira (Winter) | Jan - Mar | Cold winds, frost, dormancy | how many ritu in india
Each ritu spans approximately two months, governed by the sun’s position and the lunar calendar. The cycle begins with Vasant Ritu (mid-March to mid-May), celebrated as the king of seasons. It is a time of renewal, blooming flowers, and festivals like Holi and Vasant Panchami. Following this is Grishma Ritu (mid-May to mid-July), characterized by intense heat and dry winds, a period that encourages rest and the consumption of cooling foods. The arrival of Varsha Ritu (mid-July to mid-September) brings the life-giving monsoon rains, ending the summer's aridity. This season is celebrated for its romance and greenery, marked by festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Teej. The traditional six-season framework is deeply rooted in