Saavan Celebration, monsoon rainy season in North India

From Ashad Purnima to Kartik Purnima, a stretch of four months by the Hindu calendar is a time to connect with yourself and celebrate abundance. In Sanskrit it is called Chaturmaas.

Festivals in the rainy season

The first month is Saavan or Shraavan, a special time for Rudra Abhishek Puja, to the tune of chanting from Rig Veda. In Vrindavan and Ayodhya (Kanak Bhawan), Jhoolan songs and celebration attract devotees and visitors alike. Gudia, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchmi, Rishi Panchmi are some of the other festivals in the rainy season. Well they continue through Chaturmaas…Janmashtmi, Krishna-Chhati, Radha Ashtmi, Radha-Chhati, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pitra Paksha, Navratri, Dushehra, Dhanvantari Jayanti, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Annakoot, Tulsi Vivah Ekadashi…

Flowers in my garden in the rainy season, Lucknow, North India

Madhumalti

Jasmine/Bela/Mogra

Canna

Food for the rainy season

Chai

The Indian cup of tea is not just tea! It is chai. Simmering spices with tea leaves and sugar a large helping of milk makes the perfect cup or glass of tea to enjoy the rainy season and winters in India. It is an any time of the day drink! Goes well with snacks like deep fried pakoras, samosas, kachori, namakparas, puri-achaar, mathri-achaar. Rainy season Festival food includes pharahe, halwa, modak, kheer and many more delicacies