Hemanta Ritucharya (Winter regimen)

According to Indian calendar, Hemanta ritu is considered in Margashirsha and Poush months i.e.mid November to mid January. 

Name of the Ritu	Season	Indian Months	Calendar months	Dominant Taste
Vasanta	Spring	Chaitra- Vaishakha	Mid March to mid May	Kashaya(Astringent)
Grishma	Summer	Jeshtha- Aashadha	Mid May to mid July	Katu (Pungent)
Varsha	Rainy	Shravana-Bhadrapada	Mid July- Mid September	Amla (Sour)
Sharada	Autumn	Ashwina-Kartika	Mid September- Mid November	Lavana (Saline)
Hemanta	Winter	Margashirsha- Pousha	Mid November- Mid January	Madhura (Sweet)
Shishira	Winter , Dewy season	Magha-Falguna	Mid January-Mid Marcha	Tikta (Bitter)

Aadana kala	Visarga kala	Body strength
Shishira	Hemanta	Good
Vasanta	Sharada	Medium
Grishma	Varsha	Low

Due to the cold and dry weather vata dosha increases in this season. So to normalise the vata, more of  sweet, sour and saline tastes should be included in diet along with other tastes.

The weather is cold and digestive power is good so the body strength is good. If this increased digestive power doesn't get enough and right food , then it eats up the dhatus i.e. rasa, rakta, mansa, etc.

How should be a day in Hemanta ritu?

• The nights are long in this season. So as you get up, you feel hungry.
• You should get up early and go to toilet.
• Brush your teeth.
• Have some breakfast which is sweet, sour or saline in taste.

                             

• Body massage with oil is advised.

• Then do some exercise.

• Sun bath is also advised.

• Bathe: First apply a paste of astringent herb e.g. Amla, triphala and then take a normal bath with hot water. Bathing in bath tub is specifically advised.
• Put a tika / tilak of kumkum or kasturi. They are hot.
• Have meal in a fresh and fragrant room.

How should be your food?

• Use wheat flour for roti, black gram, newly harvested rice. They are quite heavy to digest and good for the strong digestive power.
  
• Include milk and milk products like curd, lassi, cream, etc. They are high in  calorie and give heat and energy to body which is much required in this season.
  
• Meat roasted in oil or ghee is also good.

• Alcohol and cane sugar juice are also good to be taken in this season.

• Use warm water for hand wash and drinking.

How should be a night of Hemanta ritu?

• Stay warm by using woolen clothes.
• Heat in the form of bonfire is advised for a chilling night.
  
• Having sex is also suggested.

What should be avoided in Hemanta ritu?

• Dry and ununctuous foods like biscuits etc.
• Sleeping in day time.

In Shishir ritu as well the weather condition is same only the cold and dryness is more. So same lifestyle should be followed as that of Hemanta ritu.

 Happy winters!!!