A system that comprises Ayurvedic and nutritional diets according to various seasons in a view to boost an immunity of the human body is known as Ritucharya. Being an essential part of the ecosystem, changes in the environment affect our bodies. If an individual goes against the season, it can cause an adverse impact on his/her body. A human body will automatically resist malapropos meal by developing several diseases. Ayurvedic diet is known to be a must for balancing three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. And to preserve the stability one needs to know Ritucharya. 

As per the Indian calendar, there are six ritus or seasons and they last two months each. Namely, Shishira (winter), Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharata (autumn) and Hemanta (late autumn). And, to maintain balance, it is important to eat appropriate food according to the season.. 

Shishira –

 Mid-January to mid-March is observed as Shishira. In this season, kapha dosha is found predominant. Therefore, sour, sweet and salty tastes are preferred during these times. A person should concentrate on eating a diet rich in grains, pulses, grains, wheat flour, new rice, sesame, groundnut, jaggery, milk and dairy, sugarcane and fruits. Roots like raw or dried ginger and garlic.

Vasanta – 

It lasts from about mid-March to mid-May. Nature gives itself a fresh start in this season. The increased warm effect in the environment melts the accumulated kapha. It is advisable to eat food that is easy to digest. Fruits like pulses, light meats, bran, rice, wheat, barley, honey can complete your diet in this season.

Grishma – 

It starts from mid-May to mid-July; We experience heavy heat and hot winds during Grishama. Kapha reduces its effect during this time of the season, while increasing pitta and vata dosha. It is suggested to include: Sweet, cold and tasteless food in your diet. Mango juice, lentils, rice, buttermilk, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, meat soup and lots of water can be included.

Varsha – 

The cloudy and rainy season begins from mid-July to mid-September. Vata dosha becomes predominant during rains, while pitta calms its effects. Food that is ideal for providing warmth to the body is recommended for this season, such as salted, sour and butter flavored and honey, wheat, rice, barley, dried and white meats, veggie soups and herbal teas.

Sharata – 

When varsha ritu settles from mid-September to mid-November, the environment becomes moist with bright sun rays which melt accumulated pitta dosha. It hints to avoid excess eating and only intake when you are actually hungry. Sharata ritu diet includes wheat, rice, sugarcane, amla, barley, honey, white meats, green grams etc. in your diet. And avoid fat containing meals.

Hemanta – 

Wintry winds flow from mid-November to mid-January that is when hemanta ritu starts. Pitta dosha gets pacified. A person should avoid food with mild, cold and dry properties which increases vata. In which a person should include warming foods such as various meats, fats, milk and milk products, sugarcane products, fermented preparations, sesame seeds.

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