Sharad Ritu

Sharad Ritu is one of the six Indian seasons during which the hot and humid weather begins to recede. It prevails during the months of ‘Ashwin’ and ‘Kartik’ as per the traditional Hindu calendar. Sharad Ritu is known as Autumn Season and in the Gregorian calendar it falls from mid-August- to mid-October. Sharad Ritu is the time to experience some of the prime Hindu festivals.

Significance of Sharad Ritu:

With the onset of the Sharad Ritu, it’s time to bid adieu to the hot and humid Summer Season. It is the most awaited of all the six prime Indian seasons. Also the middle period of Sharad Ritu witnesses Autumnal Equinox. Equinoxes are unique geographical events wherein Earth’s axis is tilted in a way that it is neither inclined neither towards nor away from the Sun. Equinoxes occur twice every year, once in the Spring Season and once in Autumn. The Autumnal Equinox falls on 22nd or 23rd September and on this day there are equal number of hours during days and nights.

Festivals observed during this season:

Hindus celebrate some eminent festivals during Sharad Ritu, such as:

• Navratri: Navratri is an auspicious Hindu observance for nine days that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. During this time, devotees worship the nine different forms of Goddess Shakti. Navratri begins on ‘Pratipada’ (1st day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waxing phase of moon) and continues till the ‘Navami’ (9th day) of the Hindu month of ‘Ashwin’. The celebrations of Navratri are observed with great zeal and dedication in all parts of the country.
• Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami is also popularly known as ‘Dussera’ and is one of the prime Hindu festivals. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon King. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day) of the ‘Ashwin’ lunar month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This day also culminates the grand Navratri celebrations in some parts of the country.
• Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin. This event is celebrated as the harvest festival and signifies the end of Monsoon Season. Sharad Purnima is also known as ‘Kumar Purnima’ or ‘Kojaagari Purnima’ and is celebrated with immense fervour and gaiety all across India. According to the Hindu beliefs, moon rays on the night of Sharad Purnima possess several curative properties.