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.