Basant Ritu is one of the six seasons (Ritu) in the Hindu calendar. It is also known as Vasant Ritu or Spring season. During this season, the weather starts to warm up, flowers begin to bloom, and trees start to bear new leaves. The festival of Holi, which marks the beginning of the Spring season, is also celebrated during this time. This year it will begin on 23rd March 2023 and will end on 21st June 2023.

In Hindu mythology, Basant Ritu is associated with the god of love and passion, Kamadeva, who is said to awaken from his slumber during this season. It is considered a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Overall, Basant Ritu is a time of joy and celebration in the Hindu calendar, marking the transition from the cold winter months to the warmer and more vibrant Spring season.

What Leads to Kapha Dosha Aggravation During Spring Season?

According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India, each season is associated with specific doshas, which are energies or forces that are believed to govern various functions of the body. In the Spring season or Basant Ritu, the Kapha dosha is most likely to be aggravated. 

Increase in moisture: The Spring season brings with it an increase in moisture and humidity, which can lead to an increase in the Kapha dosha. This can cause symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and excess mucus production.

Changes in diet: During the Spring season, people tend to crave lighter and more refreshing foods, which can aggravate the Kapha dosha.

Lack of physical activity: During the Spring season, people tend to be more active and spend more time outdoors. Lack of physical activity can lead to an increase in the Kapha dosha.

To balance the Kapha dosha during the Spring season, it’s essential to eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid foods that are heavy, oily, or cold. Incorporating warming spices such as ginger, black pepper, and turmeric can also be beneficial. Practising pranayama (breathing exercises) and yoga can help balance the doshas and promote overall health and wellness.

How Does Basant Ritu Affect Your Body?

Basant Ritu, also known as the Spring season, can have several effects on the human body. Here are a few ways in which this season can affect your body:

Boosts immunity: The Spring season brings with it an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, which can help to boost your immune system. Consuming foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help to protect your body against illnesses and infections.

Increases energy levels: The warmer weather and longer daylight hours of Spring can help to increase your energy levels and improve your mood. This can be beneficial for people who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months.

Allergies: The spring season is notorious for seasonal allergies due to the increase in pollen and other allergens in the air. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Skincare: During the Spring season, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing can help to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Massage with Essential Oils 

Ayurvedic classics such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam have detailed descriptions of seasonal regimens, including massages, to be followed during each season. According to these Ayurvedic textbook texts, Abhyanga massage is perfect during Basant Ritu (spring season) according to Ayurveda. They also provide guidelines for maintaining optimal health & preventing diseases through the appropriate use of diet, lifestyle practices, & seasonal therapies.

Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massages use medicated oils as the best way to remove Kapha. These focus on specific energy points in your body to balance the tri-doshas. Each massage technique has precise therapeutic techniques tailored to your body’s Dosha imbalance. A deeper touch involves deep kneading to remove Kapha, called Mardana.

Ayurvedic ‘Tailams’ or Oils for Moving Kapha

Light oils like grapeseed, almond, apricot and essential oils can improve circulation to drive out accumulated Kapha.

We have found the right oil to get an Abhyanga massage that works perfectly to remove Kapha. Tattva has its special massage oil that is most suitable for winter — Vimukti. This oil has warming properties that are suitable for Shishir Ritu. This Ayurvedic recipe delivers the ultimate relief from body aches and soreness. This heavy kneading during the massage also ensures that the liquified Kapha does not get a chance to cool inside the body again.

VILASA has the purest cold-pressed Apricot oil made from hand-picked apricots in the Himalayas to nourish and rejuvenate your skin for enhanced suppleness, elasticity and youthfulness. It can also be used to remove the mala or toxins of the body. While massaging, the therapist will knead your limbs in a downward direction to squeeze the liquefied Kapha out of your system.

What Diet Should Be Followed During Basant Ritu?

According to Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, the Spring season or Basant Ritu is associated with the Kapha dosha, which is characterized by qualities such as heavy, oily, and cool. To balance the Kapha dosha during the Spring season, it’s recommended to follow a diet that is light, warm, and dry. Here are some dietary guidelines to follow during Basant Ritu:

Eat warm and light foods: During the Spring season, it’s recommended to eat foods that are warm and light, such as soups, stews, and cooked vegetables. These foods are easy to digest and help to stimulate the digestive fire (agni).

Choose bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes: Foods that have these tastes can help to balance the Kapha dosha, which tends to be heavy and oily. Some examples of foods with bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes include green leafy vegetables, spices like ginger and black pepper, and legumes.

Avoid heavy and oily foods: Foods that are heavy, oily, or sweet can increase the Kapha dosha, leading to symptoms such as congestion, lethargy, and weight gain. Foods to avoid during the Spring season include dairy products, fried foods, and sweets.

Drink warm beverages: Drinking warm beverages such as herbal teas and warm water with lemon can help to stimulate digestion and balance the Kapha dosha.

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables: Spring is the season of fresh produce, so it’s a great time to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet. Some examples include asparagus, spinach, artichokes, strawberries, and cherries.

How to Take Care of Your Skin & Hair During Basant Ritu?

During Basant Ritu or the Spring season, the weather can be unpredictable, with some days being warm and sunny while others may be cool and rainy. This change in weather can affect your skin and hair, making it important to take extra care of them during this season. Here are some tips on how to take care of your skin and hair during Basant Ritu:

Skincare

• Keep your skin hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
• Use a moisturizer: Use a lightweight cream like VILASA Purifying Day Cream to prevent your skin from getting dry or flaky. This formulation comes with the goodness of Basil, Lavender & Frankincense, you will even your skin tone, enhance skin elasticity, and promote a radiant complexion
• Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub, go for Aabha face & body scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Get an even skin tone for a silky-smooth finish. It gently buffs away the dead skin cells for a non-oily, velvety sensation. 

• Cleanse your skin: Use a VILASA Purifying Face cleanser to remove dirt and impurities from your skin. While it balances the pH of the skin to give it a natural glow, you’ll feel refreshed and cleansed with its soothing goodness.

Haircare

• Keep your hair clean: Wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo to remove dirt and oil buildup. Use a conditioner after shampooing to keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage.

• Protect your hair from the sun: Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Avoid using hot styling tools: Avoid using hot styling tools like hair straighteners and curling irons as they can damage your hair.
• Oil your hair regularly: Massage your scalp with warm oil once a week to nourish your hair and prevent split ends. You can opt for VILASA Keshwardhak hair oil or VILASA Almond oil or Coconut oil. 

What Lifestyle Changes Should Be Adopted During Basant Ritu?

Basant Ritu, or the Spring season, is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India, the Spring season is associated with the Kapha dosha, which is characterized by qualities such as heaviness, sluggishness, and moisture. To balance the Kapha dosha and maintain optimal health and wellness during the Spring season, it’s important to make certain lifestyle changes. Here are some important lifestyle changes to consider during Basant Ritu:

• Exercise regularly: The Spring season is a great time to increase physical activity and get outside. Regular exercise can help to stimulate digestion, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. It’s recommended to engage in activities such as brisk walking, jogging, and yoga to balance the Kapha dosha.
• Get plenty of rest: While it’s important to stay active during the Spring season, it’s also important to get enough rest. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help balance the Kapha dosha and maintain optimal health.
• Practice self-care: Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, so it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This can include activities such as massage, meditation, and journaling.
• Maintain a consistent routine: To balance the Kapha dosha, it’s important to maintain a consistent daily routine. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time each day, eating meals at regular intervals, and engaging in regular exercise and self-care activities.
• Eat a balanced diet: As mentioned earlier, following a balanced diet during the Spring season is important to balance the Kapha dosha. This includes eating warm, light, and dry foods, avoiding heavy and oily foods and incorporating bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can help to balance the Kapha dosha and maintain optimal health and wellness during Basant Ritu.