October to November, when the weather cools down.
The hallmark of the Rabi season is wheat, India’s second-most important staple grain after rice. Other major Rabi crops include barley, mustard (for oil), chickpeas ( chana ), and lentils ( masoor ). These crops are well-suited to cool temperatures and require less water than their Kharif counterparts. The distinction between the two seasons is not merely agricultural but also cultural. The Rabi harvest coincides with festive celebrations like Baisakhi in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Makar Sankranti across the country, marking a time of plenty and gratitude.
The Rabi season begins as the monsoon recedes. It relies on winter showers and artificial irrigation systems. Timeline and Climate