Ashadh

According to the lunar calendar, by which
most Hindu religious festivals are celebrated, Ashadh is the fourth month in the
lunar year, usually falling within June and
July. In northern India, this is usually the
hottest month of the year.
The major holidays celebrated in
Ashadh are Yogini Ekadashi, the Rath
Yatra, Devshayani Ekadashi, and Guru
Purnima. Devshayani Ekadashi also
marks the beginning of the Chaturmas Vrat.
This is a four-month (lunar) period
generally coinciding with the rainy
season. During this time the god
Vishnu is believed to be “sleeping,”
and because of this the period is considered inauspicious.
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Ashadh