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.