Imagine you are living in the 16^th century. The temperature is soaring high outside at 43 degrees. There are no air conditioners or coolers around you and you are finding ways to keep your house and yourself cool. There were damp khus carpets hanged on the windows while the very soft mulmul fabric was worn. This is the time of Akshay Tritya which is also known as the Chandan Yatra period in India. This phase of the year which marks the beginning of summer is also celebrated in various religions as per their norms. The Pushtimarg Sampraday, a sub- tradition of Vaishnavism celebrates summer in the best possible manner. Benefits of celebrating summer with Chandan The daily rituals of Ushnakaal (summer season) comes with all things chandan. The chandan chapa vastra are offered along with the fans of chandan, kunja of clay, gulab dani, khus etc. Even the shringar

Author-Gopi Shah