Ṛtu

 The word "Ṛtu" is written in Devanagari

script as "ऋतु"

Details

• Devanagari Characters:
  • ऋ – Represents the vowel-consonant sound "ṛ" 
  • (a vocalic “r” sound).
  • तु – Represents "tu", where त् is the consonant “t” 
  • and उ is the vowel “u”.
• Pronunciation: Ṛ-tu, with the first vowel being a short 
• vocalic "ṛ", similar to a syllabic "r".
• Usage: In Sanskrit, “ऋतु” commonly denotes a season or 
• a specific period of time, such as in classical texts or calendars.

Thus, when transliterated from Latin-script “Ṛtu” to Devanagari, 

it correctly becomes ऋतु

In the Hindu calendar, a ṛtu refers to one of the six traditional 

seasons, each spanning roughly two months, which guide 

agricultural activities, festivals, and climatic understanding.

Definition and Concept

A ṛtu is a Sanskrit term that literally means "fixed or proper time," 

and in the context of the Hindu calendar, it refers to a season or 

a period of specific climatic and astronomical characteristics. 

The traditional Hindu system divides the year into six ṛtus, each 

lasting about two months, based on the moon or solar calendar 

for sacrificial and agricultural purposes.

The Six Ṛtus and Their Features

Vasanta (Spring)

mid-March to mid-May

• Associated with flowering plants, mild weather, and new growth
• Festivals: Holi, Vasant Panchami

Grishma (Summer) 

mid-May to mid-July

• Characterized by hot weather and dryness
• Agricultural importance: crops like rice start growing in irrigated 
• regions

Varsha (Monsoon/Rainy season) 

mid-July to mid-September

• Dominated by heavy rains, increased humidity, and lush greenery
• Important for rice cultivation and water-fed agriculture

Sharad (Autumn)

mid-September to mid-November

• Features clear skies, moderate weather, and harvest readiness
• Festivals: Navaratri, Diwali

Hemanta (Pre-winter)

mid-November to mid-January

• Cooler weather, early winter, and dry winds
• Prepares for storage and winter crops

Shishira (Winter)

1. mid-January to mid-March
• Cold and crisp weather, dormant period for certain crops
• Festivals: Makar Sankranti

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Ṛtus are not only climatic markers but also time markers for 
• rituals, Hindu festivals, and agricultural cycles.
• Ancient texts like the Surya Siddhanta and Rigveda emphasize 
• ṛtus for determining the proper times for sacrifices, planting, 
• and harvesting.
• Understanding ṛtus helps synchronize human activity with 
• nature, a concept central to Hindu cosmology and lifestyle.

Summary

In essence, a ṛtu marks a traditional Indian season, with six such 

seasons in a year, each linked to specific weather patterns, 

agricultural practices, and cultural/religious observances. This 

system reflects a harmonious integration of astronomy, climate, 

and society in classical Hindu thought.