43. Shishira — Late Winter (mid-January to mid-March)

Shishira is the coldest, driest part of the year in Haridwar: foggy mornings give way to bright, chilly days and cold winds. The sun is in its northward course (uttarayana), which Ayurveda says gradually draws strength from the body; yet digestive fire remains strong from Hemanta. Kapha accumulates quietly in the cold, ready to melt in spring; Vata is provoked by dryness and wind. For older guests this is the season of stiff joints, dry skin, chest colds and low mood on grey days.

Aspect	State in Shishira	What it means for guests over 55
Weather	7–23 °C; fog, cold dry wind	Joints stiffen; skin cracks; risk of chills
Agni	Strong	Can digest nourishing food — do not under-feed
Doshas	Kapha accumulating; Vata provoked by cold and dryness	Warm, unctuous, mildly pungent food; protect from wind
Common complaints	Joint pain, dry cough, colds, constipation, low mood	Abhyanga, warm baths, ginger, sunshine, routine

Daily routine adjustments

Practice	Shishira guidance
Waking	5:30–6:00 am; do not rush into the cold — warm the room first
Abhyanga	Daily with warm sesame or mustard oil; head and feet especially
Exercise	Moderate; brisk walks in mid-morning sun; indoor chair yoga on foggy days
Bath	Warm water; dry thoroughly; cover the head afterwards
Clothing	Wool layers, cap, warm socks; protect ears and chest from wind
Sunlight	15–20 minutes of morning sun on arms and face — warmth and vitamin D
Sleep	Warm room, quilt; foot massage; avoid day sleep (increases Kapha)
Mind	Satsang, music, company — winter gloom is real for many elders

Kitchen guide

Group	Favour	Reduce
Grains	Wheat, aged rice, bajra (small), makki with wheat	Cold or dry cereals
Pulses	Moong, masoor, urad (small), horse gram yusha	Undercooked beans
Vegetables	Sarson, bathua, methi, carrots, peas, radish (cooked), turnip, sweet potato	Raw salads, cold vegetables
Fruit	Amla, guava (cooked), oranges at room temperature, stewed apple	Cold fruit, melons
Dairy and fats	Milk with spices, ghee, sesame, butter in small amounts	Cold milk, cold curd
Sweets	Til–gud, gajar halwa, gur rice in small portions	Cold desserts
Spices	Ginger, dry ginger, black pepper, ajwain, cinnamon, clove	—
Drinks	Kadha, golden milk, ginger tea, warm water	Iced drinks

Signature dishes	Volume
Sarson–palak–bathua saag; methi–moong chilla; Sankranti khichdi; til–gud–saunth ladoo; haldi–adrak kadha	Volume I, January
Bajra raab; bajra–moong khichdi; makki–wheat roti; gur wale chawal; kulattha yusha	Volume II