The sacred Hindu tradition has always emphasized the importance of choosing the right time for auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, housewarming rituals, and religious functions. Every year, there comes a period known as Chaturmas, during which no such auspicious activities are conducted. This year, starting from July 6, 2025, India will observe a 4-Month Break for Marriages, in accordance with age-old religious customs and astrological beliefs.
What is Chaturmas?
Chaturmas is a four-month sacred period in the Hindu calendar when Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, goes into a deep meditative slumber known as Yoga Nidra. This period begins on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashadha and ends on the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight in Kartik. In 2025, Chaturmas begins on July 6 and will conclude on November 2.
The 4-Month Break for Marriages is observed because, during this period, it’s believed that divine energies remain dormant and thus conducting significant life events such as weddings, naming ceremonies, sacred thread rituals, and housewarming functions is considered inauspicious.
Why is There a 4-Month Break for Marriages?
As per Hindu beliefs and ancient scriptures, Lord Vishnu hands over the responsibility of managing the universe to Lord Shiva before entering his four-month-long sleep in the cosmic ocean of milk (Kshira Sagara). The period of Chaturmas is therefore considered unsuitable for any new beginnings. The 4-Month Break for Marriages ensures that important life decisions and auspicious ceremonies are deferred until divine blessings are fully accessible again.
According to Padma Purana, Bhavishya Purana, and Shrimad Bhagavat Purana, the act of performing marriage ceremonies and other sacred rituals during Chaturmas is against the ordained scriptures. The break is also observed to encourage a period of reflection, spiritual practices, fasting, and penance, contributing to personal and social harmony.
Important Dates for Chaturmas 2025
- Start Date: July 6, 2025 (Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi — Devshayani Ekadashi)
- End Date: November 2, 2025 (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi — Devotthani Ekadashi)
During these four months, not only does a 4-Month Break for Marriages take place, but all other Manglik (auspicious) functions such as Upanayan Sanskar (Sacred Thread Ceremony), Griha Pravesh (Housewarming Ceremony), Deeksha (Spiritual Initiation), and religious inaugurations are also paused.
Devshayani Ekadashi: The Beginning of the Break
The 4-Month Break for Marriages commences on Devshayani Ekadashi, the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter Yoga Nidra. This day marks a significant religious occasion, and millions of devotees observe fasting and prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The period symbolizes a temporary cosmic pause, where new ventures are avoided and spiritual activities like meditation, mantra chanting, and religious discourses are encouraged.
This year, Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed until 9:16 PM on July 6, 2025. The day holds immense importance in Hinduism as it marks the onset of introspective and spiritually enriching months.
Significance of the 4-Month Break for Marriages
The primary purpose behind observing the 4-Month Break for Marriages is rooted in the Hindu philosophy of cosmic balance and the belief in auspicious timings (Shubh Muhurat). During Chaturmas, as divine energies retreat for rest, it is believed that conducting new beginnings without their blessings could invite negativity and disharmony.
Another reason is ecological and practical. The period coincides with the Indian monsoon season, making travel, outdoor events, and large gatherings difficult and inconvenient. Thus, the 4-Month Break for Marriages also reflects a wise synchronization of religious belief with seasonal realities.
Activities Allowed During Chaturmas
While the 4-Month Break for Marriages is strictly observed, certain religious and personal activities continue as usual. Devotees are encouraged to indulge in:
- Meditation and Yoga practices
- Mantra recitation and spiritual discourses
- Pilgrimage to sacred sites
- Charity, almsgiving, and feeding the needy
- Temple visits and traditional fasting
Moreover, people are advised to refrain from consuming certain foods like jaggery, mustard oil, radish, eggplant, spinach, and honey, as mentioned in ancient scriptures.
Devotthani Ekadashi: End of the Break
The 4-Month Break for Marriages officially concludes on Devotthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls on November 2, 2025. On this day, Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from his cosmic slumber. Temples are decorated, prayers and rituals are performed, and the first auspicious marriage ceremonies of the season are scheduled.
The night before Devotthani Ekadashi, devotees observe special prayers, lighting lamps, and offering prayers to the deities, symbolizing the end of the dormant phase and the beginning of a fresh, vibrant period for new beginnings.
Rituals for Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas
During the 4-Month Break for Marriages, devotees follow strict religious observances, especially on Ekadashi days. Some of the common practices include:
- Waking up early and taking a holy bath
- Wearing clean or yellow clothes
- Offering yellow flowers, fruits, sweets, and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu
- Chanting ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ 108 times
- Reading or listening to Devshayani Ekadashi Katha
- Taking vows for fasting and breaking it the next day with spiritual purity
- Donating to Brahmins and the underprivileged
It’s also advised to avoid rice and other tamsic (heavy or impure) foods on Ekadashi.
Conclusion
The annual 4-Month Break for Marriages marks a deeply spiritual and practical tradition in Hindu society. It reflects a unique blend of cosmic cycles, religious beliefs, and natural phenomena. With Lord Vishnu entering Yoga Nidra, this period encourages self-reflection, devotion, and a break from materialistic indulgences.
As July 6, 2025 heralds the start of Chaturmas, families across India will pause their marriage plans, auspicious functions, and religious ceremonies until November 2, 2025. The 4-Month Break for Marriages is not merely a religious obligation but a time for renewal, self-discipline, and reconnecting with one’s spiritual roots.
Summary
To recap, the 4-Month Break for Marriages begins on July 6, 2025, with Devshayani Ekadashi and ends on November 2, 2025, with Devotthani Ekadashi. During this sacred period, no weddings or auspicious functions are held as per Hindu tradition. Instead, it’s a time dedicated to prayers, fasting, penance, and introspection. The return of Devotthani Ekadashi will once again open the gates for Manglik ceremonies, weddings, and fresh beginnings.