The Chaturmasya period begins in the month of Ashadha (June-July) and ends in the month of Kartika (October-November). Chaturmasya means “four months”, which is the duration that Vishnu sleeps. Some Vaishnavas observe Chaturmasya from the full-moon day of Ashadha until the full-moon day of Kartika. Others observe Chaturmasya according to the solar month from Shravana to Kartika. The whole period, either lunar or solar, takes place during the rainy season. Chaturmasya should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not matter whether one is a grihastha or a sannyasi. The real purpose behind the vow taken during these four months is to minimize the quantity of sense gratification. In the month of Shravana one should not eat spinach, in the month of Bhadra one should not eat yogurt, and in the month of Ashvina one should not drink milk. One should not eat fish or other non vegetarian food during the month of Kartika. A non vegetarian diet means fish and meat. Similarly...