2025 Six Indian Ritus (Seasons) with Dates, Timings & Significance

Discover the six Indian ritus in 2025 with exact dates, zodiac signs, and cultural importance. Learn Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemant & Shishir details. Most countries across the world observe four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, India follows an ancient six-season cycle known as “Ritu”, which has been observed since the Vedic period. According to the Hindu Calendar and Panchangam, the year is divided into six ritus, each lasting for approximately two months. These seasons not only determine the climatic patterns but also influence festivals, agriculture, Ayurveda, and religious rituals.

In this blog, we will explore the six Indian ritus in 2025 with exact dates, timings, zodiac connections, and their cultural significance.

Modern Timekeeping and Ritus

• 12 Hour Clock Format – Commonly used in daily life.
• 24 Hour Clock Format – Used in Panchang, astrology, and global standard.
• 24 Plus System – Advanced format used in astronomical calculations.

All timings mentioned below are based on New Delhi, India (IST).

1. Vasant Ritu (Indian Spring) – 2025

• Season Name: Vasant (Spring)
• Begins: February 18, 2025, Tuesday at 15:35
• Ends: April 20, 2025, Sunday at 01:25
• Tropical Zodiac: Meena (Pisces) & Mesha (Aries)
• Astronomical Event: Vernal Equinox occurs in the middle of Vasant Ritu

Significance:
Vasant Ritu is considered the most pleasant season. The climate becomes moderate, flowers bloom, and it marks the New Year in many Hindu calendars like Chaitra Navratri. In Ayurveda, Vasant Ritu is ideal for detoxification and rejuvenation therapies.

2. Grishma Ritu (Indian Summer) – 2025

• Season Name: Grishma (Summer)
• Begins: April 20, 2025, Sunday at 01:25
• Ends: June 21, 2025, Saturday at 08:11
• Tropical Zodiac: Vrishabha (Taurus) & Mithuna (Gemini)
• Astronomical Event: Grishma Ritu ends with the Summer Solstice

Significance:
Grishma Ritu is the hottest season of the year, marked by scorching heat and dryness. People observe fasts like Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi during this season. Ayurvedic lifestyle recommends cooling foods and hydration.

3. Varsha Ritu (Indian Monsoon) – 2025

• Season Name: Varsha (Monsoon)
• Begins: June 21, 2025, Saturday at 08:11
• Ends: August 23, 2025, Saturday at 02:03
• Tropical Zodiac: Karka (Cancer) & Simha (Leo)
• Astronomical Event: Starts with Summer Solstice

Significance:
Varsha Ritu brings monsoon rains vital for Indian agriculture. Festivals like Nag Panchami and Raksha Bandhan are celebrated during this period. Ayurveda suggests immunity-boosting diets as digestion is weaker in this season.

4. Sharad Ritu (Indian Autumn) – 2025

• Season Name: Sharad (Autumn)
• Begins: August 23, 2025, Saturday at 02:03
• Ends: October 23, 2025, Thursday at 09:20
• Tropical Zodiac: Kanya (Virgo) & Tula (Libra)
• Astronomical Event: Autumnal Equinox occurs in the middle of Sharad Ritu

Significance:
Sharad Ritu is known for clear skies and festive celebrations like Navratri, Durga Puja, and Sharad Purnima. The season represents balance and harmony, ideal for spiritual practices and harvest festivals.

5. Hemant Ritu (Indian Pre-Winter) – 2025

• Season Name: Hemant (Prewinter)
• Begins: October 23, 2025, Thursday at 09:20
• Ends: December 21, 2025, Sunday at 20:32
• Tropical Zodiac: Vrishchika (Scorpio) & Dhanu (Sagittarius)
• Astronomical Event: Hemant Ritu ends with the Winter Solstice

Significance:
Hemant Ritu is considered the season of strength and vitality. People consume nutrient-rich foods like jaggery, ghee, and sesame seeds. Major Hindu festivals like Diwali and Kartik Purnima fall in this season.

6. Shishir Ritu (Indian Winter) – 2025-26

• Season Name: Shishir (Winter)
• Begins: December 21, 2025, Sunday at 20:32
• Ends: February 18, 2026, Wednesday at 21:20
• Tropical Zodiac: Makara (Capricorn) & Kumbha (Aquarius)
• Astronomical Event: Starts with Winter Solstice

Significance:
Shishir Ritu is the coldest season of the year. It is ideal for performing religious rituals, yajnas, and recitations. Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal are widely celebrated during this season. Ayurveda advises warm, nourishing foods to balance body heat.

Importance of Six Ritus in Hindu Culture

• Festivals: Almost every Hindu festival aligns with a specific season.
• Ayurveda: Seasonal routines (Ritucharya) guide health and lifestyle.
• Agriculture: Farming and crop cycles depend on Ritus.
• Spirituality: Solstices and equinoxes mark important religious observances.

FAQs on Six Indian Ritus (Seasons) 2025

Q1. How many seasons does India have in 2025 and what are their names?
India observes six seasons (Ritus) in 2025 – Vasant (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemant (Prewinter), and Shishir (Winter). These six ritus are based on the Hindu calendar (Panchangam) and differ from the four-season cycle followed in most Western countries.

Q2. Why does the Hindu calendar divide the year into 6 ritus?
The Hindu Panchangam and Vedic texts divide the year into six ritus to align with agriculture, festivals, Ayurveda, and astrology. Each season has its own zodiac signs, food habits, and festivals, making it more relevant to Indian lifestyle than the Western four-season system.

Q3. Which are the festivals celebrated in Sharad Ritu 2025?
In Sharad Ritu (Autumn 2025), major Hindu festivals include Navratri, Durga Puja, and Sharad Purnima. These festivals are linked with spiritual awakening, harvest celebrations, and lunar significance.

Q4. What are the exact dates of Varsha Ritu (Monsoon) in 2025?
In 2025, Varsha Ritu begins on June 21, 2025, at 08:11 IST and ends on August 23, 2025, at 02:03 IST. This season corresponds to the zodiac signs Cancer (Karka) and Leo (Simha), and it is vital for Indian agriculture due to the monsoon rains.

Q5. Which season is considered best for health and Ayurveda in 2025?
According to Ayurveda’s Ritucharya (seasonal lifestyle):

• Vasant Ritu (Spring) is best for detox and rejuvenation therapies.
• Hemant Ritu (Prewinter) is best for building strength, vitality, and immunity with nourishing foods.

Q6. How are six Indian ritus connected with astrology and zodiac signs?
Each Ritu in the Hindu calendar is associated with two zodiac signs (Rashis). For example, Vasant Ritu corresponds to Pisces & Aries, while Grishma corresponds to Taurus & Gemini. This connection influences seasonal changes, planetary effects, and astrological predictions.

Q7. What is the importance of six Indian ritus in Hindu culture?
The six ritus are deeply linked to festivals, farming, Ayurveda, and rituals. For example, Diwali falls in Hemant Ritu, Holi in Vasant Ritu, and Makar Sankranti in Shishir Ritu. This makes ritus central to Hindu traditions and Vedic practices.

Final Thoughts

The six Ritus of India in 2025 showcase the harmony between nature, time, and spirituality. By understanding these seasonal cycles, one can align lifestyle, health, and religious practices with nature’s rhythm.

For performing traditional Hindu rituals, pujas, and ceremonies as per Ritus, you can book expert priests through PanditJi On Way – a trusted platform for authentic Vedic services.