The four-month period from Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi to Kartik Shuddha Ekadashi is known as Chaturmas. During this time, many vows and spiritual observances are undertaken. There are religious as well as scientific reasons behind performing these practices. Chaturmas is also very important from a health perspective. During this period, one should avoid consuming radish, brinjal (eggplant), onion, garlic, and overeating.

What should be done and avoided during Chaturmas

To increase immunity and maintain digestive health, one should consume Panchagavya (cow’s milk, curd, ghee, cow urine, and darbha water).

For the destruction of sins and attainment of merit, one should observe vows such as Ekabhukta (eating once a day), Ayachita Bhojan (unsolicited food), and fasting during Chaturmas.

Daily, one should perform a fixed number of circumambulations (pradakshina) of God, Tulsi plant, and worthy Brahmins.

• One lakh Bilva archana to Lord Shiva
• One lakh Tulsi archana to Lord Vishnu
• One lakh Durva archana to Lord Ganesha
• Daily Kumkum archana to the Goddess
• Worship of the Sun and offering Arghya before sunrise and sunset
• One lakh archana with Parijatak flowers to Lord Krishna

Various types of Naivedya should be offered daily.
Daily Abhishekam should be performed.

Some scriptures advise avoiding vegetables cooked in oil.

No auspicious ceremonies should be performed during Chaturmas. In unavoidable situations, actions should be taken only after consulting scriptures according to time and circumstance.

One should not sleep on a bed.
Fish and meat should never be consumed, and at least during Chaturmas they must be strictly avoided.
Onion, radish, brinjal, and garlic should not be eaten.

What should be practiced during Chaturmas

Chaturmas begins four days before the end of Ashadha month, from Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi. From this Ekadashi onward, Ekadashi fasts should be observed. If observing all Ekadashis is not possible, at least the Ekadashis of Chaturmas should be observed.

The next four months are known as Chaturmas or Chaturya Maas. Some interpret this as the period meant for learning and wisdom. This is why saints, sages, and scholars across India follow intense spiritual discipline during these four months. Some undertake strict fasting, some practice japa and tapa, while others dedicate these months to reflection, contemplation, and study.

During these four months, one should introspect on hidden mistakes in life and correct them. This leads to a path of success and happiness. This year is a Panch Maas (five-month period).

Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi)

This Ekadashi is also called Devshayani Ekadashi. It is believed that the gods go into divine sleep on this day. Drawn by devotion to Lord Vitthal, millions of Warkaris reach Pandharpur with the palanquins of saints like Dnyanoba and Tukaram. Chaturmas discourses, kirtans, and bhajans begin from this day.

Guru Purnima

All religious activities should be performed in the presence of the Sadguru, receiving knowledge at their feet. Thus, worship of the Sadguru is performed on this day. Offering Guru Dakshina is the supreme duty of a disciple.

Shravan Month

The first month of Chaturmas is Shravan. Emphasis should be placed on listening, contemplation, study, and discipline.

Weekday-wise worship in Shravan:

• Sunday: Worship of Aditya and Savitru Surya Narayan
• Monday: Worship of Lord Shiva
• Tuesday: Newly married women should worship Shiv Mangal Gauri for five years
• Wednesday/Thursday: Worship of Mercury and Jupiter
• Friday: Worship of Shashti Devi (Jarajeevantika)
• Saturday: Worship of Ashwattha Narayan, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Hanuman

Nag Panchami

Worship of the nine Nagas should be done by drawing their images at home instead of visiting ant hills.

Kulachar (Family Tradition)

Worship of the family deity is performed according to family customs on Ashtami, Chaturdashi, or Purnima. In Khandesh and Vidarbha regions, special worship called “Ranna-Sanna” is performed using a coconut as the symbolic form of the देवी.

Shravani (Upakarma)

According to one’s Vedic branch, errors in Vedic recitation are absolved and the sacred thread is changed after worship of Saptarishis including Arundhati.

Raksha Bandhan / Narali Purnima

On this day, one accepts the protection of the Sadguru. Gurus guide disciples regarding the right path and spiritual practices.

Krishna Janmashtami falls in the dark fortnight of Shravan and is celebrated with devotion.

Gopalkala

Celebrated the day after Janmashtami, especially in Maharashtra. During this month, one should increase activity and read and contemplate the Bhagavad Gita.

Bhadrapada Month

This month signifies noble actions.

• Hartalika Vrat
• Ganesh Chaturthi (earthen idol worship)
• Rishi Panchami
• Gauri/Mahalakshmi worship
• Anant Chaturdashi
• Bhagwat Saptah
• Pitru Paksha (ancestral rites)

Ashwin Month

Includes Navratri, Lalita Panchami, Vijayadashami, Kojagiri Purnima, Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, and Lakshmi Puja. This month emphasizes health, discipline, and devotion.

Kartik Month

The fourth and final month of Chaturmas.

• Bali Pratipada
• Bhai Dooj
• Kartiki Ekadashi
• Tulsi Vivah

With Kartiki Ekadashi, Chaturmas ends and normal activities resume.