Chaturmas 2025 complete information

"According to the Maharashtrian Panchang, this year Chaturmas begins today, 17th July 2024. The period from Ashadh Shuddha Ekadashi to Kartik Shuddha Ekadashi — a span of four months — is called Chaturmas. During this time, various vows (vratas) and devotional practices (upasana) are observed. There are both religious and scientific reasons behind performing these various vratas and upasana during this period. The period of Chaturmas is also very important from a health perspective.

During these days, one should avoid eating radish, brinjal (eggplant), onion, and garlic, as well as refrain from overeating."

चातुर्मास 2025 संपूर्ण माहिती

What should and should not be done during Chaturmas:

To increase the body’s immunity and maintain the digestive system, one should consume Panchagavya (cow’s milk, curd, ghee, cow urine, darbha-infused water).

For the destruction of sins and attainment of virtue, one should take a vow to eat once a day (ek bhukt), accept only ayachit (unsolicited) meals, and observe Chaturmasya fasting.

During Chaturmas, one should perform Laksha Pradakshina Vrat (100,000 circumambulations) for deities, Tulsi plant, and worthy Brahmins by fixing a specific daily count.

• To Lord Shiva – Laksha Bilvarchan (offering 100,000 Bilva leaves).

• To Lord Vishnu – Laksha Tulsi Archana (offering 100,000 Tulsi leaves).

• To Lord Ganesha – Laksha Durvarchan (offering 100,000 blades of Durva grass).

• Worship of the Sun and offering Arghya before sunrise and sunset.

• Daily Kumkum Archana to the Goddess.

• To Shri Krishna – Laksha Archana with Parijatak flowers. Various such types of archana can be performed.

Offer different types of naivedya (food offerings) daily.

Perform daily abhishek (ritual bathing of the deity).

It is said in some texts that vegetables prepared in oil should not be consumed.

No auspicious ceremonies should be performed during Chaturmas. In unavoidable circumstances, decisions should be taken with due thought and in accordance with scriptures and time.

Do not sleep on a cot.

Fish and meat should never be consumed, but at the very least, it must be avoided during Chaturmas.

Avoid eating onion, radish, brinjal, and garlic.

What should be done during Chaturmas:

Chaturmas begins four days before the second half of the month of Ashadha, from Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi. From this Ekadashi, the Ekadashi Vrat should be started. If observing Ekadashi throughout the year is not possible, then at least during Chaturmas, the Ekadashi Vrat must be observed.

The next four months are known as Chaturmas or Chaturya Maas. Some interpret this term as the "Month of the Wise" or a time to gain wisdom. This is why saints, sages, and the learned across India practice spiritual seclusion and penance during these four months. Some observe strict fasting, others engage in japa-tapa (chanting and austerity), while some spend the time in study, reflection, and contemplation.

It is important during these four months to introspect on the hidden mysteries and mistakes in one’s life. By correcting these, one can find the path to a successful and happy life.

This year, there is Panch Maas (five-month Chaturmas).

Ashadha Shuddha Ekadashi:

Also known as Devshayani Ekadashi. It is believed that the deities go to sleep on this day. In devotion to Vithoba, lakhs of Warkaris, along with the palanquins of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, arrive in Pandharpur, and Chaturmasya preaching, kirtan, and bhajan begins.

Guru Purnima:

All religious rituals should be done in the presence of the Sadguru, surrendering at their feet and receiving knowledge from them. Therefore, on this day, the Sadguru is worshipped. Giving Gurudakshina is the supreme duty of a disciple on this day.

The first month of Chaturmas is Shravan: Focus on shravan (listening), manan (reflecting), chintan (contemplating), and pathan (recitation). Follow religious discipline.

Every weekday in Shravan has a specific form of worship:

Sunday: Aditya Ranubai VratWorship of Savitri-Surya Narayan at sunrise every Sunday.

Monday: Worship of Lord Shiva is of prime importance.

Tuesday: From the first Tuesday after marriage in Shravan for the next five years, newly married women should perform Shiv-Mangala Gauri Puja.

Wednesday/Thursday: Worship of Budh and Brihaspati. Draw dolls with sandalwood at entrances and granaries.

Friday: Worship of Shashti Devi and Jara Jeevantika. Offer jaggery, roasted gram, and milk as naivedya.

Saturday: Worship of Ashwattha Narayan, Lord Narasimha, and Shri Hanuman. On this day, Batu Bhojan (feeding Brahmachari boys) is considered important.

Nag Panchami: Traditionally, the worship of Nine Nagas was done at snake pits. Instead, one should now draw the image of a snake at home and worship it.

Kulachar (Family Tradition): Worship and naivedya (like Puran Poli) are offered to the Kuladevata (family deity) on auspicious tithis such as Shuddha Ashtami, Shuddha Chaturdashi, or Purnima according to family customs.

In Khandesh and Vidarbha regions, the Sunday after Nag Panchami or the Sunday of Shukla Paksha is celebrated as Ranna-Sanna for the Goddess Devi. A coconut is worshipped as a symbolic idol of the Goddess in traditional fashion.

Shravani: On Nag Panchami or Purnima, according to one’s Vedic lineage, a ritual called Upakarma or Shravan Karma is performed to purify and restart the chanting of Vedas. This includes worship of Saptarishis along with Arundhati and Yajnavalkya. Janeu (sacred thread) is changed at this time.

Raksha Bandhan / Narali Purnima: On this day, one must accept the Sadguru’s responsibility of protection. During this month, they make you aware of your inner potential.

They guide you on which path to choose in life and what things to avoid. Tulsidas said,"Ehi Kali Kaal Na Saadhan Dooja | Yog, Yagya, Jap, Tap, Vrat Pooja..."Only after testing your eligibility will your Guru guide you on whether you are ready for japa, tapa, or yagya.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami falls in the Krishna Paksha of Shravan: The birth celebration of Lord Shri Krishna is joyously celebrated with great devotion.

Gopalkala: On the second day after Janmashtami, Gopalkala or Dahi Handi is celebrated with great pomp across India, especially in Maharashtra.

The root word ‘Kri’ denotes activity. Therefore, in this month, a sadhak (spiritual seeker) should increase their activity and prepare themselves.

Reading, listening, and contemplating the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is especially recommended during this month.

चातुर्मास 2025 संपूर्ण माहिती

The Auspicious Deeds in the Month of Bhadrapada – English Translation

Once your spiritual efforts in Shravan are completed without obstacles, the next month that arrives is Bhadrapada. Bhadrapada – where ‘Bhadra’ means auspicious or noble, and ‘Pada’ means step or journey forward – signifies that in this month, one must perform noble and elevated deeds.

Hartalika in Shukla Paksha

This fast (vrat) was once performed by Goddess Parvati herself along with her companions, undertaking a most difficult and rigorous penance. Inspired by her example, even today, unmarried girls and married women observe this vrat with dedication.

Ganesh Chaturthi

The worship of Parthiva Ganesh – Lord Ganesha, who was created by Goddess Parvati from her own bodily essence, is honored in the form of an idol made of clay (Parthiva).Just as Parthiva Shiva Linga is worshipped in Shravan, Parthiva Ganesh is worshipped in Bhadrapada, and in Ashwin month, Navadhanya (nine grains) are sown in the soil to worship the Primordial Mother.In the 13th chapter of the Durga Saptashati, King Surath is described making an idol from clay and performing worship – Kritwa Moortim Mahimayim.Thus, these three deities – Shiva, Ganesh, and Adimaya – all emphasize the importance of Earth (Prithvi).Even in Parthiva Ganesh worship, Durva grass is significant due to its medicinal properties and its association with longevity.Today, this clay Ganesh festival is celebrated worldwide.

Rishi Panchami

A vrat that promotes detachment and devotion, where elder women worship the Saptarishis along with Arundhati.

Jyeshtha Gauri / Mahalakshmi Vrat

This is a three-day ritual: invocation on Anuradha Nakshatra, worship on Jyeshtha Nakshatra, and immersion on Mula Nakshatra.In South Maharashtra, Gauri is worshipped as a form of Parvati, while in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra, the ritual includes worship of Jyeshtha (Alakshmi) and Kanishtha (Lakshmi).

Anant Chaturdashi

This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna in his infinite form. It is a vrat that emphasizes the significance of charity.

Shrimad Bhagavat Saptah (Proushthapadi)

This most revered scripture is read in this month, concluding on the full moon day (Purnima).

Pitru Paksha (Ancestral Fortnight)

The dark half of this month is known as Pitru Paksha. During this time, offerings (Pind Daan) are made not only to one's known ancestors but also to unknown departed souls, known as Dharma Pinds.It is a time to remember, honor, and express gratitude to our forefathers by following their virtues.

Essence of Ashwin Month: For Healthy Living

Ashwin is the third month of Chaturmas. During this month, Navratri is celebrated, involving the sowing of Navadhanya (nine grains) and worshipping Mother Bhagavati – the Mother of all three worlds.According to family traditions, items like papad, karak (crisp bread), and other offerings are placed as floral decorations on the Goddess's head.Daily or on Panchami and Ashtami, the Durga Saptashati is recited; a havan is performed on Ashtami or Navami, and Navratri is concluded on Navami or Dashami according to family customs.

Lalita Panchami

On the fifth day of Navratri, Upanga Lalita Vrat is observed with utmost devotion and as per tradition. It is a time of discipline and control, and a period where respect is shown towards feminine energy (Matrushakti).Following these practices can awaken one's intellect (Vivek Shakti), knowledge (Jnana Shakti), and higher divine energy (Parashakti).This is the true essence of celebrating Vijayadashami (Dussehra). On this day, Shami and Apatya trees are worshipped, and people exchange Apata leaves as a symbol of good wishes – a symbolic act of overcoming one’s inner demons, just like Lord Ram followed dharma and limits.

Kojagiri Purnima

On this full moon night, it is believed that nectar drips from the moon. At midnight, rituals are performed to worship Indra and Chandra (Moon), offering boiled milk as Naivedya.People stay awake all night playing games and dancing.This Purnima falls under the Ashwini Nakshatra, whose deity is the Ashwini Kumaras – celestial physicians who imparted knowledge of powerful medicines to Sage Chyavan, blessing him with long life and eternal youth.To emulate Sage Chyavan, one must adopt a scientific mindset and strive for a healthy life during this month.

Guru Dwadashi

On this day, Lord Dattatreya performed divine acts in the form of Shri Nrusimha Saraswati. Celebrations occur at Nrusinhawadi, Ganagapur, and other Datta shrines.During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Dhanvantari – the divine physician – emerged holding the nectar (Amrit), along with many other gems and Goddess Lakshmi.

Dhantrayodashi

This day marks the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the founder of Ayurveda.On this evening, people worship their wealth and pray for unending prosperity.

Naraka Chaturdashi

Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura and freed a thousand captive princesses, marrying them to restore their dignity in society.This day is celebrated with Abhyangasnan (ritual bath), marking the first day of Diwali.

Lakshmi Pujan

The king of agriculture (Krushi Raja) begins preparation for nurturing the upcoming crops in this month.New crops and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. In the evening, merchants perform puja of their ledgers (Chitra), pens (Lekhani), and treasuries (Kubera).At midnight, garbage is taken out of the house – a ritual known as Alakshmi Nissaran (banishing misfortune). On other days, taking out trash at midnight is considered inauspicious.

The Dynamic Kartik Month

Kartik is the fourth and final month of Chaturmas.

Bali Pratipada

On this day, Lord Vishnu asked King Bali (grandson of Prahlad) for three steps of land. With two steps, He covered the earth and the heavens, and for the third, Bali offered his own head.On this day, except for husbands and elder male relatives, women and girls perform aukshan for everyone elder and offer them gifts (Owalni).

Bhau Beej (Yam Dwitiya)

A day to celebrate the love between brothers and sisters. It is believed that on this day, Lord Yama visits his sister, and therefore, death does not occur on this day.Sisters perform aukshan for their brothers and in return, brothers must give a token gift (Owalni). This is part of the Diwali celebrations.

Kartik Ekadashi

Chaturmas ends.As summer’s heat and the monsoon rains pass, the cool moonlight of Sharad Ritu brings peace.Varkaris (devotees) long for the new harvest from their beloved black soil (Kali Aai). The restlessness for Vitthal (Lord Vithoba) and the motherly land gradually settles.After observing a fast and the Mahadwar Kala ritual, the Varkari returns home, but Pandharpur remains in their heart.Then comes the wedding of the Tulsi plant in the courtyard with Lord Krishna in the form of Damodar – marking the return to daily life and duties.