38. Ritucharya — Living with the Seasons
Volume I set the menu for each month. This chapter summarises the lifestyle for each of the six seasons (Part IV-B, Chapters 43–48, gives each season in depth) — what to wear, how to exercise, which oil to use, how to bathe and sleep. The underlying logic is the same: favour the qualities opposite to the season's.
Figure. The six seasons and their lifestyle themes
| Season (Haridwar) | Ritu | Dosha | Exercise | Oil and bath | Clothing and home | Sleep and other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Jan to mid-Mar | Shishira (late winter) | Kapha accumulating; Vata | Moderate; brisk walks in sun | Sesame or mustard abhyanga; warm baths | Wool, warm socks; sunlight indoors | Avoid day sleep; sun exposure mid-morning | |
| Mid-Mar to mid-May | Vasanta (spring) | Kapha aggravated | Most active season; brisk walking, yoga | Dry rubbing or light oil; warm baths | Light layers | No day sleep; early rising; gargles | |
| Mid-May to mid-Jul | Grishma (summer) | Vata accumulating; Pitta rising | Light only, early morning | Coconut oil; cool (not cold) baths | Light cotton; shade; khus curtains | Short day nap permitted; moonlit evenings; avoid midday sun | |
| Mid-Jul to mid-Sep | Varsha (monsoon) | Vata aggravated; Pitta accumulating | Light; indoor yoga | Sesame abhyanga; warm baths; keep skin dry | Dry clothes; dry floors; mosquito protection | Boiled water; avoid getting wet; no day sleep | |
| Mid-Sep to mid-Nov | Sharad (autumn) | Pitta aggravated | Moderate | Coconut or sunflower oil; lukewarm baths | Light clothing; evening moonlight | Avoid midday sun; sandalwood; early sleep | |
| Mid-Nov to mid-Jan | Hemanta (early winter) | Strong agni; Vata | Most strength-building; exercise fully (within limits) | Sesame abhyanga daily; warm baths | Warm clothes; sun in the morning | Nourishing food; warm rooms; oil the feet |
Ritu sandhi — the junction between seasons
The last seven days of one season and the first seven days of the next form a fortnight of transition (ritu sandhi). Ayurveda advises changing diet and routine gradually during this time — dropping the outgoing season's habits by quarters and adopting the incoming ones — rather than abruptly. Season changes in Haridwar (mid-March, mid-July, mid-September, mid-November) are when colds, digestive upsets and joint pain rise among guests. The kitchen responds by lightening menus for a week and serving warm water and kadha generously.