Caturmasya 2024

Caturmasya stands for ‘four months’. It is the period between shayani and uttana ekadashis. The scriptures refer to this period as the duration of Lord Visnu’s sleep in this universe.

The main goal of observing Caturmasya is to decrease attachment to material things and to increase devotion to Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada writes in Caitanya Caritamrta, “Caturmasya should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not matter whether one is a grihasta or a sannyasi. The observation is obligatory to all ashramas.” 

First Month – Sravana (17th July - 18th Aug)

(Fasting from Green leafy vegetables)

The first month of Chaturmasya Vrat is known as Shaka Vrata. Shaka Vrata begins on Shukla Paksha dwadashi day in Ashada month and ends on Shukla Ekadashi day in Shravan month.

Second Month– Bhadrapada (19th Aug - 17th Sept)

(Fasting from Yoghurt)

The second month of Chaturmasya Vrata is known as Dadhi Vrata. Dadhi Vrata begins on Sravana Shukla Paksha Dwadashi and ends on Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.

Third Month– Ashwin (18th Sept -16th Oct)

(Fasting from Milk)

The third month of Chaturmasya Vrata is known as Ksheera Vrata. Ksheera Vrata begins on  Shukla Paksha Dwadashi in Bhadrapada month.

Fourth Month– Kartik (17th Oct -15th Nov)

(Fasting from Urad Dal)

The fourth month of Chaturmasya Vrata is known as Dwidala Vrata. It begins on Dwadashi day in Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month and ends with Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.

One should perform spiritual activities in these four months as much as possible. Every auspicious and spiritual activity becomes more fruitful in these four months.