In the Bikram Sambat calendar, the twelve months correspond intimately to the six traditional seasons (Shada Ritu) of Nepal: Basanta (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemanta (Late Autumn), and Shishir (Winter).
1. Baisakh (Mid Apr – Mid May) & 2. Jestha (Mid May – Mid Jun): Spring awakening and scorching summer sun leading up to Buddha Jayanti.
3. Ashadh (Mid Jun – Mid Jul) & 4. Shrawan (Mid Jul – Mid Aug): The life-giving monsoon season marked by paddy planting (Ropain Diwas) and holy devotions to Lord Shiva.
5. Bhadra (Mid Aug – Mid Sep) & 6. Ashwin (Mid Sep – Mid Oct): The glorious golden autumn, harvest preparation, Gai Jatra, Teej, and Nepal's greatest carnival, Bada Dashain.
7. Kartik (Mid Oct – Mid Nov) & 8. Mangsir (Mid Nov – Mid Dec): The festival of lights (Tihar), brotherly devotion, and the traditional wedding season.
9. Poush (Mid Dec – Mid Jan) & 10. Magh (Mid Jan – Mid Feb): Crispy Himalayan winter, morning mists, and Maghe Sankranti feastings.
11. Falgun (Mid Feb – Mid Mar) & 12. Chaitra (Mid Mar – Mid Apr): Spring's arrival with the colors of Holi and final year-end assessments.