The Hindu calendar follows a unique system of dividing the year into six distinct seasons. Each season is associated with specific characteristics and holds significance in Hindu culture. In this blog post, we will explore these six seasons and their importance.
1. Vasanta (Spring)
Vasanta, also known as Spring, marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar year. It usually falls between mid-March and mid-May, or the months of Chaitra and Baisakh. This season is characterized by pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and vibrant colors. Hindus celebrate various festivals during this time, such as Holi and Basant Panchami.
2. Grishma (Summer)
Grishma, or Summer, follows Vasanta and lasts from mid-May to mid-July or the months of Jyeshtha and Ashadh. This season is known for its scorching heat and high temperatures. It is a challenging time for farmers as they face water scarcity and have to protect their crops from the harsh sun. To beat the heat, people often indulge in refreshing drinks like mango lassi.
3. Varsha (Monsoon)
Varsha, meaning Monsoon, arrives after Grishma and spans from mid-July to mid-September or the months of Shravana and Bhadrapada . This season brings relief from the summer heat as rain showers cool down the atmosphere. The monsoon is crucial for agriculture as it provides much-needed water for crops to grow. Festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Teej are celebrated during this time.
4. Sharad (Autumn)
Sharad, also known as Autumn or Fall, arrives after Varsha and lasts from mid-September to mid-November, or Ashwin and Kartik months(September-October). This season is characterized by moderate temperatures and clear skies. The air becomes crisp, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like picnics and nature walks. Hindus celebrate Navratri during Sharad when they worship Goddess Durga.
5. Hemanta (Pre-Winter)
Hemanta, or Pre-Winter, follows Sharad and spans from mid-November to mid-January, or the months of Margashirsha and Pausha (November-December). This season marks the transition from autumn to winter and is known for its cool temperatures. It is a time when people enjoy various winter delicacies like gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding) and hot beverages like masala chai.
6. Shishira (Winter)
Shishira, meaning Winter, arrives after Hemanta and lasts from mid-January to mid-March, or the months of Magha and Phalguna (January-February). This season brings cold weather, chilly winds, and sometimes even snowfall in certain regions of India. People bundle up in warm clothes and celebrate festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri by lighting bonfires and feasting on traditional sweets.
The six seasons according to the Hindu calendar offer a unique perspective on the passage of time and nature's cycles. Each season has its own significance, festivities, and impact on agriculture. Understanding these seasons allows us to appreciate the diversity of nature and the cultural richness of Hindu traditions.
So next time you experience a change in weather or celebrate a festival, take a moment to reflect on the season you are in according to the Hindu calendar.
Takeaways
The Hindu calendar has traditionally divided the year into these six seasons, with each season comprising two solar months. This classification dates back to Vedic times and is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle of India. While the four season classification is more common worldwide, Hindus still follow the six season calendar for religious and cultural purposes.
Remember: Vasanta (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemanta (Pre-Winter), Shishira (Winter) are the six seasons of India according to the Hindu calendar.