Chaturmas 2026 Guidelines: Today, Saturday, July 25, marks Devshayani Ekadashi. Starting today, Lord Vishnu will enter a state of *Yog Nidra* (cosmic slumber) in *Patal Loka* (the netherworld) for four months; during this period, the governance of the universe will rest in the hands of Lord Shiva, who will assume the roles of both Preserver and Destroyer. Although Chaturmas technically spans five months—Ashadh, Sawan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, and Kartik—the calculation runs from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, effectively covering four months. Specific rules apply during Chaturmas regarding diet, worship, and auspicious activities. Let us explore the dos and don'ts for this period.

Chaturmas: July 25 to November 20
According to the Vedic calendar, Chaturmas this year will extend from Devshayani Ekadashi (July 25) to Devutthana Ekadashi (November 20). November 20 marks Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, also known as Devutthana Ekadashi; on this day, Lord Vishnu will awaken from his cosmic slumber, thereby concluding the Chaturmas period.

What to avoid during Chaturmas?
Since Lord Vishnu is in *Yog Nidra* during Chaturmas, no auspicious ceremonies are performed.
Auspicious activities such as weddings, *Mundan* (tonsure ceremonies), *Griha Pravesh* (housewarming), and engagements are strictly prohibited during this time.

You should abstain from *Tamasic* food (food that induces lethargy or ignorance) during these four months. Avoid consuming garlic, onions, meat, alcohol, and stale food.
During the month of Sawan, one should not eat green leafy vegetables like spinach or mustard greens. Similarly, in the month of Bhadrapad, the consumption of curd (yogurt) and curd-based products is avoided.
Furthermore, one should not drink milk during the month of Ashwin, and foods such as radish, eggplant, *Urad dal* (black gram), and *Chana dal* (split chickpeas) should be avoided during Kartik.

One should not consume food belonging to others during the period of Chaturmas. Those who observe fasts and perform worship during Chaturmas should not sleep on a cot or bed.
During this period, one should abstain from anger, lying, speaking ill of others, and disrespecting anyone.

What should be done during Chaturmas?
There are no restrictions on observing fasts, performing worship, celebrating festivals, chanting mantras, or undertaking abstinence during Chaturmas.

You can observe all fasts and festivals—such as Ekadashi, Pradosh, Shivratri, Chaturthi, and Teej—just as you normally would.
The month of Shravan (Sawan) during Chaturmas is excellent for the worship of Lord Shiva. By performing *Jalabhishek* (offering water) and *Rudrabhishek* during this time, you can attain Lord Shiva's grace and have your wishes fulfilled.

Worship your chosen deity (*Ishta Dev*) during Chaturmas and chant their mantras; this will bring you well-being.
Donate food grains, clothing, water, fruits, and other essentials during this period to earn spiritual merit (*Punya*).

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