Traditional Indian seasons
Also called: Ritus, Ritu, Six seasons · Topic: Climate of India and the Monsoon · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Climates of India"; Class 9, Ch 3 "Atmosphere and Climate"; Class 11, Ch 4 "Climate"
Meaning
The traditional Indian calendar divides the year into six seasons, called ritus. Each lasts about two months:
- Vasanta (spring): March-April
- Grishma (summer): May-June
- Varsha (rains): July-August
- Sharada (autumn): September-October
- Hemanta (pre-winter): November-December
- Shishira (winter): January-February
This system fits north and central India well, where all six changes can be felt. It does not fit the south, where there is no real winter and the temperature changes little through the year.
Example
In the Ganga plain of Uttar Pradesh, Varsha matches the heavy July-August rains, and Shishira matches the cold, foggy January. In Kerala, Hemanta and Shishira feel little different from the rest of the year.
Don't confuse with
- Seasons of India (IMD): the IMD uses four seasons based on weather and winds. The traditional system has six seasons based on the calendar.