Abstract

METEOROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF RITUS AT DEHRADUN- A SURVEY STUDY

Vidhu Saxena*, Mannat Marwaha and Satya Dayal Manav

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Abstract

Changes in the environment leads to change in bodily humors. Ritucharya (seasonal regimen for diet and behavior) could only be followed once it is confirmed which Ritu is going on. Study of nature and changes in Sun, moon, earth, sky, air, temperature, humidity, air velocity and morphology of plants and animals is compulsory. One should able to assess Ritu prevailing by observance of environmental changes in surroundings. All Characteristics mentioned in Samhitas which were taken under survey were found present during survey. Presence of all the environmental changes, changes in flora and fauna further confirms the validity of seasonal changes and characteristics mentioned in Samhitas. Assessment criteria followed can be taken as standard for assessment of prevalent of Ritu in any place, city, and state at any time of year. Assessments of months corresponding to Ritus (according to presence of all characteristics of particular Ritu) in Dehradun and surrounding areas are: Shishira Ritu - months of December (last three weeks) and January (first three weeks). Vasant Ritu vis-a-vis months of February (last week), March (whole month) and April (first week). Grishma Ritu vis-a-vis months of May (last week), June (whole month) and July (first week). Varsha Ritu vis-a-vis months of July (last three weeks) and August (first week). Sharad Ritu vis-a-vis months of August (last week) and September (first three weeks). Hemant Ritu vis-a-vis months of December (four weeks) and January (first week). Two weeks before and two weeks after the prevalent Ritu can be considered as Ritusandhi. Meteorological parameters: Increase and decrease in temperature and humidity was observed all due to sun rays, wind and presence of rains. Temperature increases and humidity decreases and vice versa. However, in Dehradun the humidity remains more than normal due to geographical status of the area.

Keywords: Ritu assessment, Meteorology, seasons, Dehradun.