Shad ritus are the six seasons of the Hindu calendar, each lasting for two months, which are based on the movement of the sun and the moon. They are:
- Vasant ritu
- Spring season, which lasts from mid-March to mid-May. It is marked by the blossoming of flowers, the singing of birds, and the celebration of festivals like Holi and Vasant Panchami. This season is associated with love, joy, and creativity.
- Grishma ritu
- Summer season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-July. It is marked by the scorching heat, the drying of rivers and lakes, and the ripening of fruits. This season is associated with thirst, fatigue, and irritability.
- Varsha ritu
- Monsoon season, which lasts from mid-July to mid-September. It is marked by the heavy rainfall, the thundering of clouds, and the growth of crops. This season is associated with romance, nostalgia, and devotion.
- Sharad ritu
- Autumn season, which lasts from mid-September to mid-November. It is marked by the cooling of temperature, the harvesting of grains, and the celebration of festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. This season is associated with gratitude, prosperity, and light.
- Hemant ritu
- Pre-winter season, which lasts from mid-November to mid-January. It is marked by the foggy mornings, the chilly nights, and the preparation of delicacies like gajar ka halwa and til ladoo. This season is associated with comfort, warmth, and generosity.
- Shishir ritu
- Winter season, which lasts from mid-January to mid-March. It is marked by the freezing cold, the snowfall in some regions, and the celebration of festivals like Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. This season is associated with courage, endurance, and wisdom.
The following table shows the six seasons, their corresponding months, and their usually associated emotions:
| Season | Months | Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Vasant Ritu (Spring) | mid March-mid May | love, joy, and creativity |
| Grishma Ritu (Summer) | mid May-mid July | thirst, fatigue, and irritability |
| Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) | mid July-mid September | romance, nostalgia, and devotion |
| Sharad Ritu (Autumn) | mid September- mid November | gratitude, prosperity, and light |
| Hemant Ritu (Pre-winter) | mid November-mid January | comfort, warmth, and generosity |
| Shishir Ritu (Winter) | mid January-mid March | courage, endurance, and wisdom |
The seasons in India are classified based on various factors such as longitude, latitude, altitude, distance from sea level, weather patterns, and climatic conditions. People across different cultures plan their festivals and occasions as per the ritus or seasons in India. The southern part of India, which lies close to the equator, observes fewer seasonal changes than the northern part of the country.