E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Body and Mind

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 9 September
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Seasonal Living with Ritucharya: Balancing Body and Mind, w.s.r. to Greeshma, Varsha and Sharad Ritu

Harivedi R1*, Monika2, Unnikrishnan S3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.9.24

1* Rricha Harivedi, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthavrita and Yoga, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi, India.

2 Monika, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi, India.

3 Unnikrishnan S, Professor and HOD, Dept of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi, India.

As we all know that change of seasons also causes changes in environment, these changes in environment affects all living things. Some changes are beneficial but some are not good. So, in order to achieve maximum benefit from the good qualities of environment and protect ourselves from the bad effects of changing seasons. Each season is characterized by a predominant Rasa (taste) and distinct impact on the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. So, in Ayurveda, different regimens are advised as per seasons with regards to diet, behavior and various activities collectively called as seasonal regimens or Ritucharya. This article explores the Ayurvedic concepts of Ritucharya, which emphasizes the importance of adopting lifestyle and dietary habits as per seasons to maintain balance and to promote overall well-being. In Ayurveda, there are 6 seasons namely – Shishira (winters), Vasant (spring), Greeshma (summer), Varsha (rainy), Sharad (autumn) and Hemanta (early winters).[1] Focusing on the three seasons of Greeshma (summer season), Varsha (rainy season) and Sharad (autumn season). This article highlights the unique characteristics of each season.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Ritucharya, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Adana Kala, Visarga Kala, Rasa, Sharad, Varsha, Greeshma, Hemanta, Shishira, Vasanta, Hamsodaka, Uttarayana, Dakshinayana, Diet and Lifestyle, Solstice

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Rricha Harivedi, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthavrita and Yoga, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi, , India.
Email: 		Harivedi R, Monika, Unnikrishnan S, Seasonal Living with Ritucharya: Balancing Body and Mind, w.s.r. to Greeshma, Varsha and Sharad Ritu. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(9):158-163.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4743/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-07-19 2025-07-28 2025-08-08 2025-08-18 2025-08-28
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© 2025 by Harivedi R, Monika, Unnikrishnan S and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Rricha H et al. Seasonal Living with Ritucharya

Introduction

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, emphasizes living in harmony with nature as a key to maintaining health and preventing disease. Among its many principles, Ritucharya - the seasonal regimen - is a concept that guides individuals to adapt their lifestyle and diet according to changing seasons (Ritu). Ritu is synonym of time / season and Charya means regimens to be followed.[2]

Earth makes one revolution (movement around the sun) in 365 days, this is called as one year.

The Earth’s revolution around the Sun, along with its axial tilt, results in seasonal variations that influence environmental conditions and, consequently affects human physiology.[3]

Ayurveda recognizes this cyclical change and divides the year into two major solstices or Ayanas - Uttarayana (northern solstice or Adana Kala) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice or Visarga Kala). Each Ayana comprises three Ritus, making a total of six seasons: Shishira (late winter), Vasanta (spring), Greeṣhma (summer), Varṣha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), and Hemanta (early winter).

Each season influences the body’s internal balance, especially the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas accumulate, aggravate, and subside in different seasons, which can lead to health or disease depending on how well a person can adapt. Ayurveda prescribes specific dietary habits (Ahara), lifestyle practices (Vihara), to maintain Doshic balance throughout the year.

So, it is important to know the Ayurvedic concept of seasonal changes, their impact on the Doshas, the role of Rasa (taste) in each season, and the preventive regimens to be followed.

Aim and Objectives

Aim

To explore and analyse the Ayurvedic concept of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) and its impact on the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) along with dietary and lifestyle adaptations for maintaining health and preventing diseases.

Objective

1. To understand the Ayurvedic classification of seasons (Ritus) & seasonal variations in Doshas.

2. To outline the seasonal dietary (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) for each Ritu.

Materials and Methods

Ayurvedic classic texts, journal, internet,

Methods - Literary Review

Ayana (Solistices) and Ritu (Seasons)

In India, there are mainly two time periods which are northern solstice (Uttarayana) and southern solstice (Dakshinayana), these two solstices form one year. Further, the year is divided into six seasons (Ritus), with each season made up of two Masa (months) starting with Margashisha and adding two succeeding ones. So, the six Ritus are named as - Shishira, Vasant, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad and Hemanta.[4]

SNMasa (month)Ritu (season)As Per English Calender
1.Margashisha -PaushaHemanta (winter)Mid Nov - Mid Jan
2.Magha - PhalgunaShishira (cold, dewy)Mid Jan - Mid March
3.Chaitra - VaishakhaVasanta (spring)Mid March - Mid May
4.Jyeshtha - AshadaGreeshma (summer)Mid May - Mid July
5.Sravana - BhadrapadaVarsha (rainy)Mid July - Mid Sept
6.Ashawin - KartikSharad (autumn)Mid Sept - Mid Nov

The three seasons namely Shishira, Vasant and Greeshma mark the Uttarayana when the sun movement is towards north, also called as Adana Kala and rest half year constitute Varsha, Sharad and Hemanta Ritu mark the Dakshinayana when the sun’s movement is towards south, also called as Visarga Kala.[5] During Uttarayana period, sun and wind becomes strong and dry which takes away all the moisture of earth, this Adana Kala is Agneya, extremely hot in nature.[6] During Dakshinayana period, moon becomes powerful so the earth becomes cool by the effect of moon rays and cool winds. So, this Visarga Kala is Saumya, cool in nature.[7]

Rasa predominance in Seasons[8]

During occurrence of different seasons, Rasa becomes predominant in a specific season.

SeasonsRasa Predominance
ShishiraTikta (bitter)
VasantaKashaya (astringent)
GreeshmaKatu (pungent)
VarshaAmla (sour)
SharadLavana (salty)
HemantaMadhur (sweet)

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Diet, Lifestyle as Per Seasons and Effect of Changing Seasons on Doshas

Seasonal Effect on Tridosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Seasonal effect on Vata

Vata Sanchaya (accumulation of Vata) - during summer season, person’s strength is low and digestive power becomes weak and people loses body water through perspiration, this all causes accumulation of Vata but the heat of sun rays during summers does not allow excessive accumulation of Vata (Vata Prakopa).[9] Vata Prakopa (aggravation of Vata) - during rainy season, digestive power and strength are still low as summers, so sudden change in temperature from hot to cold results in further accumulation of Vata in body causes Vata Prakopa.[10] Vata Shaman (alleviation of Vata) - during autumn season, humidity and heat of autumn pacifies the increased Vata i.e. Vata Shaman.[11]

Seasonal effect on Pitta

Pitta Sanchaya (Accumulation of Pitta) - The sun’s heat of Greeshma (summer) Ritu increases the heat which causes exhaustion of the body. The strength and digestive power are further reduced in the rainy season (Varsha Ritu). During Varsha Ritu, food and water dominate in sour taste and weak digestive power causes indigestion. The dominant sour taste and indigestion result in the accumulation of Pitta in the body leading to the Pitta Sanchaya stage but the cool environment does not allow Pitta to accumulate in excess.[12] Pitta Prakopa (aggravation of Pitta) - heat in Sharad Ritu results in further accumulation of Pitta giving rise to Pitta Prakopa stage.[13] Pitta Shamana (Alleviation of Pitta) - The sweet Rasa dominant in nature and the cool environment pacifies the increased Pitta in Hemanta (winter).[14]

Seasonal Effect on Kapha

Kapha Sanchaya (Accumulation of Kapha) - In Hemanta Ritu, physical strength and the digestive power are good. So, people can eat as per their hunger in Hemanta Ritu. This eating habit, most of the time continues in Shishira, but during Shishira Ritu, digestive power is slightly reduced. This factor along with cold environment leads to the accumulation of Kapha (Kapha Sanchaya).[15] Kapha Prakopa (Aggravation of Kapha) - In Vasanta (spring) Ritu,

the heat causes liquefaction of the accumulated Kapha and gives rise to the stage of Kapha Prakopa.[16] Kapha Shamana (Alleviation of Kapha) - The dry, light and hot qualities dominant in summer season pacifies the increased Kapha.[17]

Greeshma Ritu - Sun rays appear like Atasi flower (light blue in color) and are very hot. Being very hot, sunrays evaporate the moisture of earth. The sunrays take away the strength of all things present on earth, so humans become weak during this season.[18] Every day Kapha gets decreased which results in increase of Vata, hence one should avoid food items having Vata Vardhak Rasa which are salty, pungent and sour Rasa. Exercise should be avoided as it increases Vata.[19] Fatigue caused by heat of sunrays can be relieved by following measures like paste of Chandan is applied to body and forehead, wearing garlands, wearing very light and cool colored clothes, use of fan made of leaves of tala or big leaves of Padmini which can be made wet by sprinkling water on them, use of fans made of peacock feather.[20] Intake of sweet, cold, liquid items, unctuous diet and drinks is prescribed for people. Cold Mantha is advised which is groat mingled with cold water and Ghee - it should not be too cold not too liquid not too solid.[21] Meat of animals and birds from Jangala Desh (arid climate) is advised to take, Ghee and milk along with Shali rice (Oryza sativum Linn.) is advised to take.[22] During the summer, alcoholic drinks are generally prohibited, however for those who are addicted to drinking, they should drink alcohol in little quantity or drink along with plenty of water. If the liquor is diluted with plenty of water, it reduces hotness and sourness of alcohol. Otherwise, it will produce Shopha (oedema), Shaithilya (loosening of joints), Daha (burning sensation in body), Moha (delusions).[23] It is prescribed to sleep during day time during summer season only. One should sleep in cold place. Visiting gardens and enjoy cold water and flowers during this season.[24]

Varsha Ritu - during summer season, power of digestion becomes weak, it gets further weakened due to vitiation of Vata during rainy season. The power of digestion gets affected during this season is due to the gases coming out of the earth, rainfall increases the acidity of water and consequently Vata gets vitiated, so it is advised to remain moderate with regards to diet and regimen during this season.[25] One should abstain from taking Mantha (groat) diluted in excess,


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one should generally use honey in almost all food items. Even though honey is responsible for the vitiation of Vata but if it is consumed in small quantity, it overcomes dampness (Kleda) of rainy season., During rainy season, some days have heavy rains with storms, it may further vitiate Vata Dosha, so it is advised to take sour, salty and unctuous diet. pure rain water, water from the ponds and rivers must be boiled and cooled mixed with little honey.[26] Day sleep, water from river, excessive exercise, moving in sun, indulgence in sexual intercourse is to be avoided.[27]

Sharad Ritu - People who have been exposed to rain and cold are suddenly exposed to the heat of sun rays during Sharad Ritu which leads to Prakopa (aggravation) of the Sanchita (accumulated) Pitta.[28]

Pitta Dosha which has been increased during the rainy season, to neutralizes aggravated Pitta people should take Tikta Ghrita, Virechan, Rakta Mokshana. People who feel very hungry are advised to take food items having Tikta, Madhura and Kashaya Rasa and food items like Shali rice, honey, meat of Jangala region animals, sugar, Dhatri.[29] People should avoid taking sun bath, fats, oil, meat of aquatic and marshy animals, alkaline salt preparations, curd in food. It is advised to avoid sleep during day time and people should not expose themselves to frost and easterly winds.[30] Water exposed to the sun rays during day time and cooled with the moon rays during night time, water gets detoxified by the star Canopus (Agastya Tara) - this water is called as Hamsodaka. Hamsodaka is clear, pure water and beneficial for many purposes like drinking, washing, bathing etc.[31]

Discussion

The concept of Ritucharya in Ayurveda reflects the understanding of the cyclical relationship between the external environment and the internal biological rhythms of the human body. The year is divided into six seasons (Ritus), each have a unique influence on the body's homeostasis, especially on the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This interaction makes it necessary to the seasonal adjustments in diet, lifestyle, and behaviour to maintain equilibrium and prevent disease. The classification of seasons into Adana Kala (northern solstice) and Visarga Kala (southern solstice) is central to Ayurvedic seasonal science.

During Adana Kala, due to the increasing strength of the sun and wind, the environment becomes dry and hot, leading to depletion of body strength and qualities. This period, considered as Agneya (fiery), is associated with the gradual accumulation and aggravation of Vata and Pitta Doshas. But on the other hand, Visarga Kala being Saumya (cool and nourishing) is dominated by the moon’s cooling effect, allowing restoration of strength and balance in the body. During this phase, Kapha accumulation and Pitta pacification take place. The seasonal dominance of specific Rasas (tastes) - such as Tikta (bitter) in Shishira, Kashaya (astringent) in Vasanta, and Katu (pungent) in Greeshma - further explores the Ayurvedic view that taste directly impacts the Doshas. These Rasas help to explain seasonal Doshic responses and provides a prescription like seasonal diets to avoid aggravation and support balancing of Doshas. Practices like the use of Hamsodaka (sun-moon purified water), application of sandalwood paste, wearing cooling clothes, and modifying sleep and exercise routines serve both preventive and curative purposes. Thus, Ritucharya explains the holistic and preventive approach of Ayurveda. Its practical application can greatly enhance lustre, strengthen immunity, and maintain Doshic balance.

Conclusion

Ayurveda, through the principle of Ritucharya, offers a systematic approach to health maintenance by emphasizing seasonal alignment with nature’s cycles. The understanding of how the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - fluctuate with seasonal transitions, and how specific Rasas (tastes) and regimens can pacify or aggravate them, highlights the preventive essence of Ayurvedic wisdom. By dividing the year into Adana and Visarga Kalas, and further into six Ritus, Ayurveda provides not only a chronological framework but also a physiological one. Appropriate seasonal modifications in diet, lifestyle, and behaviour help maintain Doshic balance, enhance digestive power, and support overall health. The integration of practices such as dietary adaptations, specific Ahara-Vihara guidelines, and environmental considerations like the use of Hamsodaka underline the holistic vision of Ayurveda. In today’s world things such as lifestyle disorders and immunity disorders which makes it more important to have the knowledge of Ritucharya.


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In conclusion, adapting to seasonal rhythms as prescribed in Ritucharya not only prevents diseases but also maintains a deeper connection with nature, enabling a sustainable path towards overall well-being.

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