Grishma Ritu
Grishma Ritu marks the onset of hot and humid summers in
India. According to Hindu calendar, this season lasts for two months, Jayeshtha
and Ashadha while in the Gregorian calendar, the months of mid- April and
mid-June are termed as summer season. The word ‘Grishma’ is derived from
another Sanskrit word ‘Grishmarutu’ meaning ‘summer’. Grishma Ritu is preceded
by ‘Vasant Ritu’ or Spring Season and is followed by the Rainy Season, the
‘Varsha Ritu’. During the Grishma Ritu the heat of the sun breaks all the
temperature records and is defined as the season of exhaustion, lethargy,
dehydration and lack of energy.
Significance of Grishma Ritu:
Grishma Ritu is the summer season and the weather is hottest in
most regions of the country. This hot season comes to an end with Summer
Solstice. As per geographical calculations, Solstice is a planetary event that
occurs twice in each year during which Sun escalates to its peak point in the
sky. It can be witnessed from the South or North poles. During the Summer
Solstice we get to experience the longest day of the year.
Festivals observed during this season:
- Even during
the super hot Summer Season or Grishma Ritu, Hindus observe multi
religious festivals like:
- Ganga Dussera:
Ganga Dussera is an important Hindu festival that pays homage to Goddess
Ganga. It is celebrated on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day) during the ‘Shukla
Paksha’ (the bright fortnight of moon) of the ‘Jayeshtha’ month as per the
Hindu calendar. On this day, Hindus take a ritualistic bath in the sacred
Ganga River and perform the Ganga puja. They take the blessings of Goddess
Ganga for a happy and prosperous life.
- Rath Yatra:
Rath Yatra is an important festival celebrated in the Lord Jagannath
Temple, in Puri. On this day, the idols of the three deities, Lord
Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are taken out in a Chariot on
the streets of Puri. The event of Rath Yatra attracts thousands of
devotees from different parts of the country. This festival is symbolic of
integration and equality.
- Guru Purnima:
Guru Purnima is observed on the ‘Purnima’ or the full moon day during the
Hindu month of ‘Ashadha’. On this auspicious day, devotees pay respect to
their Gurus who have showed them the path of enlightenment. As per the
legends, the festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated in memory of the great
saint, Maharshi Ved Vyasa. This day is very propitious for beginning
spiritual lessons.
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