About Ashada Masam
Ashadam (known as Ashad in Hindi) is the fourth month in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. It usually falls in the months of June-July, the months when monsoon (rainy season) arrives in South India when nature cleanses and refreshes Mother Earth.
Ashadam is known as 'Soonya Masam' in Telugu and social functions like marriages, Gruhapravesam, thread ceremony etc are avoided during this month.
Though the month is considered inauspicious for social functions, it has religious and cultural significance, especially in South India. The period is incredibly powerful for spiritual practices, and inner cleansing.
Ashada masam is mostly devoted to spiritual practices, temple visits and religious activities. The month is marked by important festivals, sacred rituals, and fasting traditions dedicated to various deities, making it a spiritually enriching period for devotees. Understanding the significance of Ashadam offers valuable insight into the rich customs and timeless traditions of our Sanatana Dharma.
The Telugu people (I think Kannadigas also) compulsorily follow two unique traditions during the month. The first one: Athagaru (mother-in-law) and Kotha Kodalu (newly wed bride) / Kotha Alludu (newly wed groom) are not supposed to stay together under the same roof for the entire month i.e. they should not stay together in the same house. The second one: Girls and married women compulsorily apply gorintaku on their hands in the traditional way (chandamama and chuttu chukkalu).
Ashada Masam Festival Dates 2026
1. Wed 15th July 2026 - Ashada Masam begins
2. Thurs 16th July - Puri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra
3. Fri 17th July - Dakshinayanam (Southward movement of Sun) begins
3. Sun 19th July - Golconda Bonalu
4. Sat 25th July - Tholi (Sayana) Ekadasi
5. Sun 26 July - Bonalu
6. Wed 29th July - Mahashadi / Guru Purnima
7. Sun 2nd Aug - Secunderabad Mahankali Bonalu
8. Sun 9th Aug - Lal Darwaza Bonalu
The Age-old Tradition: Newly Wed Bride/Groom Do Not Stay with Mother-in-Law
This is a unique age old tradition followed by the Telugu people, and I think Kannadigas too during the entire month of Ashadam. The newly wed bride or groom should not stay in their mother-in-law's (MIL) house during the entire month. They should not stay together in the same house but should stay separately for the entire month.
As per the tradition, the newly wed bride goes to her parent's house in Ashadam and gets back to her in-law's house in Sravana Masam. This unique rule is applicable only for the 1st year of marriage and not for subsequent years.
I researched a lot on this topic but couldn't find a convincing reason for this custom. I think, there is no known scientific reason for this custom and it is also not much in practice in the present busy tech dominated world. However, I think that there could be some inner meaning / importance of the same which has been laid down by our ancestors for the well being of all. And I am it is beyond our thinking power.
The Tradition of Applying Gorintaku in Ashadam
'Gorintaku', known as Henna in Hindi has a special significance in Ashadam. It's botanical name is Lawsonia inermis and family name is Lythraceae. The leaves of Gorintaku plant have various medicinal properties. It contains a natural brownish maroon color dye, it is a natural coolant and has antifungal properties.
Applying gorintaku is one more unique tradition followed only in the month of Ashadam. Girls and married women compulsorily follow this tradition even these days. Fresh paste made of grinding the freshly plucked gorintaku (leaves) is applied on both the hands in the traditional way. And also applied to the feet like parani. Married women apply it during Ashadam for a happy and long married life.
Key Point: Traditionally, gorintaku is not only applied by the Telugu women but Telugu Brahmin men also apply gorintaku to their hands. This tradition has gradually faded away due to the influence of western cult.
Scientific Significance of Applying Gorintaku in Ashadam
Gorintaku, the Natural Coolant: During the hot and dry summer months, the body gets over heated. Applying Gorintaku during this month helps in regulating the body temperature and keeps it cool. It also calms the nervous systems and helps as a stress-reliever.
Monsoon is the breeding season for various microbes like fungus. Due to its anti-fungal property, Gorintaku helps in preventing fungal infection of the skin particularly to hands and legs.
Religious Significance
On Ashada Suddha Vidiya day (2nd day of Ashadam after Jyeshta Amavasya), Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra is celebrated in the grandest way in Puri, Odisha.
Karkataka Sankramanam (transition of Sun into Karkataka Rasi) takes place during Ashadam. The day marks Dakshinayanam (the Southerward movement of Sun) in the northern hemisphere when the days gradually become shorter and nights become longer.
Ashada Suddha Ekadasi (the 11th day of the month after Amavasya), is celebrated as Tholi Ekadasi. The day religious significant as it marks the beginning of Chaturmasam (continuous four months period).
On Tholi Ekadasi day Sri Maha Vishnu goes into Divine Sleep (Yoganidra), so the day is also known as Sayana Ekadasi. The four-month period from Tholi Ekadasi to Ksheerabdhi Ekadasi, is night time in Vaikuntham and is observed as Chaturmasam period by many devotees.
Telangana Bonalu Festival on 4 Sundays in Ashada Masam
Bonalu festival is celebrated in Telangana on four Sundays of Ashadam. According to regional belief, Ammavaru visits Her maternal uncles' place (puttinillu) during Ashadam.
People rejoice Her visit and celebrate four Sundays of Ashadam in a grand way. They offer Her food (Bhojanalu) in specially decorated earthen pots and worship Her. This tradition is almost same as the Telugu tradition of newly wed bride visiting her mother's place in Ashadam.
Dear reader, if you happen to know any info on this, please share in the comment box below so that it enlightens the readers on the topic.
Mahaashadi day, the full moon day of Ashadam, is celebrated as Guru Purnima (Vyasa Purnima) as it marks the birthday of Sage Veda Vyasa.
Ashadam Religious Practices for Health Care
Our ancestors have religiously formulated (prescribed) certain practices during Ashadam with subtle scientific reasoning. These rituals / practices are the preventive measures for ensuring good health during rainy season.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ashada Masam?
Ashada Masam (Aashadam) is the fourth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. The month is spiritually significant and dedicated to prayers, fasting, temple visits, and religious activities, particularly in South India.
2. Why is Ashada Masam considered important in Hinduism?
Ashadam is a period for spiritual growth and devotion. There are several important festivals in the month beginning with Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra.
3. Can we perform marriages and gruhapravesams in Ashada Masam?
No. As per Vedic Sastras, Ashadam period is not suitable for performing social functions. However, customs may vary across regions and communities.
4. Which festivals are celebrated during Ashada Masam?
Puri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra, Tholi Ekadasi, Bonalu (in Telangana), and Guru Purnima
5. What is Tholi (Sayana) Ekadashi?
Tholi Ekadasi (Sayana or Devshayani in Hindi) marks the day when Sri Maha Vishnu enters into Yoga Nidra (Divine Cosmic Sleep) for a period of four months. The day signifies the beginning of Chaturmasya Deeksha.
6. What is the significance of Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashada Masam to mark the birthday of spiritual Guru, Maharshi Vedavyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata.
7. Can I buy a house or a car or start a new venture (business) in Ashada Masam?
Buying property or starting a business depends on individual beliefs, astrological guidance, and regional customs. Many families postpone it to the next month, Sravanam, which is highly auspicious.
8. What special rituals are observed during Ashada Masam?
Ekadasi upavasam (fasting), reading sacred scriptures, performing Satyanarayana Vratam, offering prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi, visiting temples, and engaging in spiritual activities.
Final Thoughts
The month of Ashadam is a spiritual reminder. It lays stress on spiritual growth through religious activities. We avoid celebrating most of the social functions and divert our mind towards religion. We thus try to sync our lifestyle with the rhythms of nature.
The ancient religious activities during the month help in strengthening our physical immunity and enhances our spiritual knowledge. By embracing the rituals of Ashadam we not only adhere to our ancient traditions but also respect them and pass on these traditions to our next generations.