6 | Ritu

The Six Seasons (ṢaḍṚtu) of the Indian Calendar: An Ecological and Cultural Framework

| Ritu (Season) | Gregorian Months | Lunar Months (Hindu) | Key Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Spring) | March - April | Chaitra - Vaishakha | Moderate temperatures, flowering, new leaves. | | 2. Grishma (Summer) | May - June | Jyaishtha - Ashadha | Intense heat, dry winds, arid landscape. | | 3. Varsha (Monsoon) | July - August | Shravana - Bhadrapada | Heavy rains, high humidity, thunderstorms. | | 4. Sharad (Autumn) | September - October | Ashvin - Kartika | Clear skies, pleasant coolness, dew, harvest. | | 5. Hemant (Pre-winter) | November - December | Margashirsha - Pausha | Mild cold, crisp mornings, falling leaves. | | 6. Shishir (Winter) | January - February | Magha - Phalguna | Severe cold, fog, low sun angle. | 6 ritu

The concept of Ritu (season) in Indian tradition is an ancient and sophisticated classification system that divides the year into six distinct ecological and climatic periods. Unlike the four-season model common in Western temperate zones, the Indian subcontinent’s tropical and subtropical climate, combined with the Hindu lunar calendar, naturally aligns with a six-phase cycle. Each Ritu lasts approximately two months and is associated with specific climatic conditions, agricultural activities, festivals, and human physiology (as outlined in Ayurveda). The Six Seasons (ṢaḍṚtu) of the Indian Calendar: