July 29, 2026—November 24, 2026Utthana Ekadashi
Alternate panchang: July 25 – November 20, 2026
Chaturmas — The Four Sacred Months
The four sacred months of the year, starting from the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July) up to the month of Kartika (October–November), are known as Chaturmas, literally meaning “four months.”
It is observed by Vaishnavas in the rainy season by performing the Chaturmasya Vrat and intensive devotional service, according to either the lunar or the solar calendar months.
Performing devotional services, austerities, simplicity and vratas during these most beneficial months results in the immense favor of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
Begins
July 29, 2026
Ends
Nov 24, 2026
120+
Days of Devotion
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Importance of Chaturmas
“One who passes the Chaturmasya season without observing religious vows, austerities and chanting of japa, such a fool, although living, should be considered to be a dead man.”
Bhavishya Purana
Manifold Benefits
“There is a 4-month period in a year known as Chaturmasya wherein any Dana, Vrata, Japa and Homa performed brings forth countless merits — yielding multifold benefits.”
Lord Varaha to Bhu Devi
The Lord's Yoga-nidra
The sun travels in the southern hemisphere, and Lord Narayana and all the demigods go to sleep during these four months — yoga-nidra, a manifestation of His internal potency. Therefore it is prohibited to perform materially pious work (marriages, Bhoomi Pujan, Grah Pravesh, etc.). One should instead perform more and more spiritual activities to receive His blessings.
Food Restrictions
During each month of Chaturmas, devotees restrict themselves from certain food items. These restrictions are aimed solely at performing austerity and pleasing Lord Krishna.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Avoid
- Green leafy vegetables (shak)
- Palak (spinach)
- Methi (fenugreek)
- Saraso (mustard greens)
Permitted
- Dhaniya (coriander)
- Pudina (mint)
- Cabbage
- Kari Patta (curry leaves)
Curds & Yogurt
Avoid
- Curds (yogurt)
- Raita
- Lassi
- Kadi
- Chaach (buttermilk)
- Shreekhand
Permitted
- Curds as a side ingredient only
- In very small quantities
Milk
Avoid
- Milk
- Milkshake
- Rabri
- Kheer
- Ice-cream
- Thandai
Permitted
- Items made by curdling milk
- Paneer
- Rasgulla
- Cheese
Urad Dal
Avoid
- Items made from urad dal
- Dosa
- Urad dal pakode (vada)
Permitted
- Other dals like moong
- Use moong for such preparations
A Note for All Four Months
Throughout Chaturmas, avoid eating any non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic.
Rules of Chaturmas
Anyone can easily observe Chaturmas by following these simple primary and secondary rules.
Fasting from Specific Foods
Avoid the specific food items prescribed for each month of the Chaturmas, as mentioned above.
Eat Only Krishna Prasadam
Take food only after it has been offered to the Supreme Lord — nothing prepared for one's own sense gratification.
Increase Devotional Service
Chant the Hare Krishna mahamantra, read the Bhagavad-gita, visit the temple regularly and engage more and more in devotional activities.
Perform Charity
Give in charity as much as possible during these four most beneficial months.
Plant Sacred Plants
Plant sacred plants such as Tulasi and Pipal, and tend to them with devotion.
Simple Austerities
Sleep on the floor and eat as little as possible, reducing bodily comforts.
Rise Early & Serve
Rise early in the morning and engage the early hours in devotional activities.
As far as possible, one should try to stay at some holy place (pilgrimage) during the period of Chaturmas.
Benefits of Chaturmas Vrat
Purification of Existence
Restricting the bodily necessities purifies the heart and reduces the pull of sense enjoyment.
Blessings of Sri Krishna
The Supreme Lord is immensely pleased with those who observe the Chaturmasya vrat with devotion.
Advancement in Devotion
Austerity combined with devotional service accelerates one's progress on the path of bhakti.
apama somam amrta abhuma and akshayyam ha vai caturmasya-yajinah sukrtam bhavati — those who perform the four-month penances become eligible to drink the soma-rasa beverages to become immortal and happy forever. (Bhagavad-gita 2.42)
Significant Events During Chaturmas
The auspicious Chaturmas period marks multiple historical events mentioned in the revealed scriptures.
A Sudra Boy Became Narada Muni
As mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Narada Muni was born in his previous life as the son of a maidservant. During the Chaturmasya period he served the Mahabhagavata devotees and accepted their Mahaprasadam, receiving the blessing of seeing Krishna in that very life. He later became Narada Muni, the son of Lord Brahma.
Lord Krishna Stayed in Hastinapura
During His presence on earth, Lord Krishna was requested by King Yudhishthira to stay in Hastinapura. Accepting the request of His devotee, the Lord stayed there with him during the Chaturmas period.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu Accepted Gopal Bhatta Goswami
During one Chaturmasya, Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in Sri Rangam kshetra. There He transformed the heart of Venkata Bhatta to worship Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and accepted his son Gopal Bhatta as His servant.
Srila Madhavendra Puri Stayed in Jagannath Puri
When Sri Gopala, the Deity of Srila Madhavendra Puri, asked him to bring sandalwood to apply on Him, Srila Madhavendra Puri travelled to Jagannath Puri and stayed there during the period of Chaturmas.
Navadvip Devotees Visited Caitanya Mahaprabhu
While Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at Jagannath Puri, all His devotees from Navadvip would visit Him every year on Rath Yatra and then remain with the Lord for the whole duration of Chaturmas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
During Chaturmas the sannyasis avoid travelling and stay at one holy place while practicing intense devotional service. As a practitioner, one should try to avoid travelling as much as possible and focus on devotional activities. However, in case of urgent work or an emergency one may travel, but only as much as absolutely needed.
Utilise These Holy Months
Devotional activities performed during Chaturmas yield immense blessings of Lord Krishna. By reducing bodily necessities, staying in holy places and associating with great devotees, one should utilise this holy period of the year.
Perform more and more austerity, charity and devotional service during Chaturmas to purify one's existence and please Lord Sri Krishna.