On the day the people of 58 parliamentary constituencies in six States and two Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, go to the polls for the sixth phase phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the hottest nine days of the year, also known as Nautapa, will begin.

Nautapa, which will continue until June 2, is also considered the birth time of the southwest monsoon. During Nautapa, the Sun is closest to the Earth, resulting in intense heat. The maximum temperature is expected to range from 42 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius, which may feel like 50 degrees Celsius.

Polling during Nautapa has raised concerns about a low voter turnout in the gigantic plains in the remaining phases.

According to weather astrologer Dr SN Vajpayee, Nautapa will begin from May 25, the day people of Delhi will cast their vote and will continue till June 2.

"It is believed that due to the heat of the Sun and the water element of Rohini, this is the birth time of the monsoon and due to this reason Nautapa is considered to be the birth time of the monsoon," he said.

According to astrologers, during the nine days of Nautapa, a large portion of the earth experiences severe heat when four planets — Sun, Mars, Mercury and Saturn —are at the same place in the horoscope.

The combination of these four planets is called Samasaptaka Yoga. The conjunction of the Sun, Mars, Mercury and Saturn is observed annually during Nautapa.

It is believed that rain during Nautapa indicates less rainfall during the monsoon. Nautapa without rain means there will be sufficient rain during the monsoon.

Vajpayee said, "Nautapa will begin with the entry of the Sun into Rohini Nakshatra on May 25 at 3:17 pm. On the second day of Krishna Paksha, the Sun will enter Rohini Nakshatra from Kritika and will remain in this Nakshatra till June 8.

The first 9 days of this period are called Nautapa. At this time, the Sun's rays will fall directly on the Earth but this time their effect will be less due to the setting of the stars Venus and Jupiter."

"There is a possibility of drizzle in some parts of the country and rain in other places with strong wind and storms. It is mentioned in the Brihatsamhita text of Varahamihira that the weather changes due to the setting of the planets," he said.

According to science, the rays of the Sun come directly to the Earth during the Nautapa. Due to which the temperature of the earth rises very high. Due to excess heat, a low pressure area is formed in the plains which attract sea waves, causing good rain.

As per religious beliefs, it is a tradition to worship the Surya Dev during the Nautapa period. In the nine days of Nautapa, the Sun is believed to be in its fierce form causing the temperature to rise even higher.

Worshipping the Sun god at this time is believed to protect families from the soaring temperatures. Some of the rituals also add to the happiness and prosperity in the lives of the devotees. It is advised to consume water, curd, milk, coconut water, and other foods with cold temperatures in the Nautapa time. Besides consuming these items, the devotees should also take the initiative to donate them.

According to astrology, if the Sun heats up fully on all the days of Nautapa, it is considered a sign of good rain. During this time, the Sun will remain at 23 degrees to 40 degrees till June 8. The reason is that the ruling planet of Rohini Nakshatra is the Moon. The Sun is considered to be a symbol of brightness and majesty, while the Moon is a symbol of coolness. When the Sun enters the Moon's Rohini constellation, the Sun takes this constellation under its influence. Due to this, the temperature increases further. During this period, storms and severe weather occur due to the rise in temperature.