Explaining Hemanta and Shishir Ritus as per Ayurveda

As explained in Seasonal Routines or Ritucharya, as per Ayurveda, the year is divided into two “Kaals”- Aadaan Kaal, which is also known as Uttarayana (Northern Solstice), and Visarga Kaal, also known as Dakshinayana (Southern Solstice). According to Ayurveda, it’s the Sun that determines the seasons and hence the division into two Kaals.

Aadaan signifies the Sun’s power of taking away energy vis-à-vis Visarga, which means giving in abundance. Hence, it is during the Aadaan Kaal when the bodily energy is the least. That happens due to the rise in temperature and the heat generated by the Sun, whereas in Visarga Kaal the Earth is cooled down due to the cold winds and rains. During Aadaan Kaal, people feel weak and are drained off their energy, while during the Visarga Kaal, they are rejuvenated and efficient.

Right now, let’s try and understand Early Winter or Hemanta Ritu as well as Late Winter or Shishir Ritu – two of the three seasons of the Visarga Kaal. Let's also understand their significance from an Ayurvedic perspective.

• As mentioned earlier, each season lasts for two months. Hence, Hemanta Ritu falls during Marghashira (November) and Pushya (December).

• Hemanta is followed by Shishir Ritu which falls in the months of Magha and Phalguna (Mid January – Mid March). This is the time when the temperatures drop significantly, causing snowfall and mist in many places.

• The Earth cools down giving rise to energy and a good appetite; one starts to crave for food that stimulates the senses like taste and smell, as the digestive system is at its peak during this season.

• Internally, the body generates enough heat that makes digestion easier - irrespective of the quantity and richness of the food.

• But if you do not follow a rich and healthy diet, the digestive fire or the Agni affects the body and consumes the tissues (autolysis), aggravating the Vata Dosha in the body, leading to an imbalance.

• The qualities of the Water and Earth Elements reflect during these two seasons, giving rise to Kapha Dosha in the body.

Diet to follow:

• Food that is sweet, sour and salty, which will stimulate senses like taste and smell and help in reducing Vata.

• Heavy and properly cooked meals are ideal for this season as they help keep you warm and energetic.

• Food made out of wheat/gram flour.

• Dairy products like warm milk, butter.

• Spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, red chilli powder and turmeric are good to keep the energy intact.

• Wine is recommended to keep the body warm during this season.

Lifestyle to follow:

• Exercises like Pranayama, brisk walking and dancing are recommended during winters; they help in maintaining the body heat.

• Body massage for 15-30 minutes with mustard oil to keep the body warm and sturdy.

• Sufficient exposure to Sun. As it is the Visarga Kaal, the Sun gives out energy and strength.

• Being in love and enjoying good sex is also recommended during this time.

• Wearing clothes made of leather, silk or wool is apt.

Hemantha and Shishir Ritus bring out the best out of the Kapha body types. On the other hand, it is the worst weather for the Vatas, as they become weak and susceptible to cold as well as other seasonal diseases. After the cold winter comes the Spring season or Vasanta Ritu… let's discuss that in our next post. Stay tuned!