Bengal, a land of rivers and lush plains, experiences a rhythmic cycle of six distinct seasons ( ritus ), each painting the landscape with a unique hue and profoundly influencing the region’s culture, agriculture, and way of life. The year begins with Basanta (Spring), the king of seasons, when nature adorns itself in vibrant colours—mango trees burst into blossom, the air fills with the song of the koel , and the festival of Doljatra (Holi) celebrates life’s renewal. This is followed by Grishma (Summer), characterized by intense heat, dust-laden winds, and the sweet fragrance of ripe jackfruit and mangoes, which leads to the much-anticipated Barsha (Rainy season). The monsoon, the heart of Bengal’s existence, arrives with dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains, transforming rivers into raging torrents, flooding the paddy fields, and inspiring countless poems and songs by Rabindranath Tagore. As the downpour recedes, Sharad (Autumn) arrives with a clear, cloudless sky, the pure white kash flowers blooming along riverbanks, and the grand festival of Durga Puja, infusing the air with joy and festivity. Next comes Hemanta (Late Autumn), a brief season of gentle mists and harvested golden crops, when the weather turns pleasantly cool and the air is filled with the aroma of new rice. Finally, Shit (Winter) cloaks Bengal in a soft, dry chill, with dense morning fog, clear starry nights, the sun warming lazy afternoons, and the countryside bustling with date-palm jaggery and fresh winter vegetables. Thus, the unending cycle of these six seasons not only dictates the agricultural calendar of Bengal but also shapes its art, literature, festivals, and the very soul of its people.