Shishir Ritu
Shishir Ritu is the coldest of all the six
seasons and is characterised by cold climatic conditions. During this time some
regions even witness snowfalls with temperatures falling to below zero degrees
centigrade. Shishir Ritu prevails during the ‘Magh’ and ‘Phalgun’ months
according to the Gregorian calendar, which corresponds to the months of
mid-January to mid-March in the Gregorian calendar. Cold winds, dryness,
occasional clouds and rainfall are some of the features that describe Shishir
Ritu.
Significance of Shishir Ritu :
The word ‘Shishir’ is another name
for Lord Vishnu and is mentioned in the ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’ (the religious
book stating 1000 names of Lord Vishnu). Shishir Ritu is the last months of
winter season. Hemant and Shishir Ritu together make up the cold, snowy
winters. Shishir Ritu begins with winter solstice.
Festivals observed during this Season:
- During the time of Shishir Ritu, India
celebrates some of the important harvest festivals. Some of major
festivals celebrated during this season are:
- Lohri: Lohri is a popular agricultural
festival celebrated with great pomp and show in the Indian state of
Punjab. This festival commemorates the occurrence of winter solstice and
is observed as a bonfire festival. Punjabis celebrate Lohri
enthusiastically with their traditional song and dance performances.
- Pongal: Pongal is an important harvest
festival that is celebrated on 14th of January each year. The festivities
extend for a period of four days and the celebrations are very grandeur in
the state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal is a popular Hindu festival in which
members of the farming community thank God and Mother Nature for the
bountiful harvest.
- Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a
significance harvest festival of Hindus that is observed with full gaiety
in all parts of the country. In the Indian culture, Makar Sankranti marks
the beginning of the auspicious phase. It is one of rare Hindu festivals
that is celebrated on the same date even the Gregorian calendar, 14th
January. Makar Sankranti celebrations can be witnessed in all parts of
India, although the traditions and rituals may vary.
- Shivratri: Shivratri is a prime Hindu
festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated on the ‘Chaturdashi’
(14th day) during the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) in the
‘Maagh’ month of the Hindu calendar. Shivratri signifies the convergence
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and is the celebration of this divine
union. On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Parvati with full
devotion to be bestowed with happiness and prosperity.
Post a Comment