Grishma
ग्रीष्म
Grishma Ritu marks the peak of the sun's northern journey (Uttarayan). It is a time of intense heat and prolonged daylight, sapping the earth's moisture. In Sanatan Dharma, this season is characterized by endurance, conservation of energy, and the ripening of fruits like mangoes.
Sanskrit
ग्रीष्म ऋतु
The Season of Intense Heat
Grishma Ritu (ग्रीष्म ऋतु), or the Summer Season, represents intense heat, the accumulation of solar energy, and the ripening of tropical fruits in the Hindu calendar.
During Grishma, the sun's rays are fierce, drying up rivers and plants. The overall strength of individuals is generally at its lowest (Aadaan Kaal). However, it is also the season where nature prepares for the monsoons, and tropical fruits reach their peak sweetness.
Key Festivals at a Glance
📅 Associated Months
🕉️ Associated Deities
Due to the heat, Kapha decreases, but Vata begins to accumulate because of the dryness in the environment.
Recommended Diet Principle
Sweet, cold, liquid, and unctuous (slightly oily/ghee) foods are recommended. Salt, sour, and pungent tastes should be minimized.
✓ Foods to Eat
- • Cold water, buttermilk (Chaas), and coconut water
- • Sweet fruits (Mango, Watermelon)
- • Ghee
- • Rice and milk products
✗ Foods to Avoid
- • Spicy, salty, and sour foods
- • Dry and hot foods
- • Alcohol
🧘 Daily Routine & Lifestyle
Avoid excessive physical exertion. Day sleep (Diwaswapna) is uniquely permitted in this Ritu to preserve energy. Wearing light cotton clothes and staying in cool environments is advised.
Extremely hot, dry winds (Loo in northern India), and prolonged sunshine.
Often ranges from 35°C to 45°C+ (95°F to 113°F) in the plains.
🌸 Flowers
🌳 Trees
🍋 Fruits
🥦 Vegetables
🌾 Grains
🌿 Herbs
🐦 Birds
🦋 Insects
Agriculture & Harvest
Preparation of the land for the upcoming Kharif (monsoon) crops. Zaid crops (melons, cucumbers) are harvested.
🌙 Astronomy & Sun Position
Sun Position
The Sun moves through Vrishabha (Taurus) and Mithuna (Gemini) Rashis.
🎉 Major Festivals in Grishma Ritu
Ganga Dussehra
Celebrates the descent of the River Ganga to Earth, highly significant during the dry summer.
Vat Purnima
Women tie threads around a Banyan tree praying for the longevity of their husbands.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
The grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Guru Purnima
Honoring spiritual and academic teachers, celebrated in Ashadha.
Monthly Calendar Breakdown
Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठ)
May-June
The peak of the summer heat.
Ashadha (आषाढ)
June-July
The transition month where humidity rises before the rains break.
📍 Northern India
The period of 'Loo' winds, where diet shifts heavily to raw mango drinks (Aam Panna).
Historical Significance
Historically, Grishma was a time for retreating indoors during the peak afternoon heat. It was a season associated with studying and spiritual contemplation rather than intense physical labor, setting the stage for Guru Purnima.
Etymology
The word Grishma derives from the root 'grish', perfectly describing the intense heat that evaporates water and dries the environment.
Charaka Samhita | Sutrasthana 6
"In summer, the sun rays draw out moisture... one should take sweet, cold, liquid and unctuous diet."
Provides clear dietary guidelines to counteract the heat.
💡 Did You Know?
- → Grishma is the only season in Ayurveda where sleeping during the daytime is actively recommended to prevent exhaustion.
- → It marks the end of Uttarayan, the auspicious six-month period of the sun's northern movement.