This is a period of 4 months, extending from the 11th day (Ekādaśī) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing period of the moon) of the lunar month Āshāda (Jun-Jul) to the 11th day (Ekādaśī) of the waxing period of the lunar month of Kartika (Oct-Nov).
This is a period of penance, inner cleansing of the body, mind, and soul, and strengthen faith. Vedic wisdom, Jainism, & Buddhism describe this period of monsoon-retreat where the monks stay at one place and preach to the commoners avoiding their frequent travel, due to increased insects & bugs in nature.
This is also the time when the metabolic fire is not optimal, especially in the Varshā Rutu, after which it gradually increases, the best being in the last month of Chāturmās. During the first two months of Chāturmās, Vāta is vitiated and hence your diet and lifestyle needs to be managed to pacify that dosha. With the increase in the colonies of bacteria, viruses & fungi, it is also best to stay away from infections, especially transmitted with water and food.
Also of significance is the increased predominance of the nervous system and mental health disorders during this period, often referred to as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a mental health disorder with mood alterations and depression associated with change in season.
Hence, your lifestyle should be incorporating more of mental and spiritual supplementation & fortification, which is inner cleansing.
Basti chikitsa is advised during Varshā Rutu, which expels the vitiated Vāta and maintains both, physical & mental health.
The following foods should be avoided during Chāturmās:
1. Leafy vegetables and brinjal during Shravan month (Jul-Aug)
2. Curd & fermented foods in Bhadrapada and Ashwin months (Aug to Oct).
3. Highly-flavored vegetables like onion, garlic and protein-rich pulses like Urad dal/Masoor dal in Kartik month.
4. Avoid meat, fish, poultry, alcohol, stale food, over-processed foods, coffee, & chocolate.
Best foods during Chāturmās:
1. Sātvik foods, like fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, plant-based oils, mild spices (turmeric, basil, ginger, cinnamon, etc.), unrefined natural sweeteners (honey).
2. Stick to recipes that are not too oily, excessively spicy and salty.
3. Keep your body warm with warm fluids. However, do not overdo tea or caffeinated drinks, that may cause hyperacidity.
Vihar (Lifestyle) during Chāturmās:
1. Do not sleep direct under the fan or the AC vent.
2. Avoid sleeping during daytime.
3. Indulge in spiritual enrichment and cement your faith system. Practice gratitude, forgiveness, and kindness.
4. Avoid engaging in getting wet in rain and the puddle waters, increases the chances of infections.
