Chaturmaas is a period of four months namely Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadarvo and Aaso (the monsoon period). It starts on Devshayani Ekadashi in the month of Ashadh and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik.
The significance of Chaturmaas is to observe extra penance, engage in extra devotion and practice control over sense gratification. During this period, devotees intensify their spiritual practices and observe stricter discipline.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep (Yoga Nidra) on Devshayani Ekadashi and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi. During this period, Hindu traditions observe various austerities and avoid certain activities. Saints and sadhus traditionally do not travel during Chaturmaas but stay in one place to study scriptures and engage in spiritual discourse.
For devotees of Lord Swaminarayan, Chaturmaas is a particularly sacred time. Special assemblies, readings of the Vachanamrut, and devotional programmes are organised throughout these four months.