Ritu Raj Vasant

The month of Magh which commences on the 14th of January on Makar Sankrati is considered the most auspicious month among the Hindus.This marks the transit of Sun into the sign of Capricorn and hence the Sun comes into the Northern Hemisphere,closer to us.According to the Hindu calenders the Sun now commences its journey from the sign of Capricorn to the sign of Gemini in the zodiac and is said to be in Uttarayan.As the Hindu mythology goes the day of the celestial beings starts on Makar Sankrati and continues till the month of Ashad.This makes the entire period auspicious.In this month of Magh, the fifth day of the bright half falls the festival of Vasant Panchami.The name Vasant Panchami also indicates that it is the fifth day in the season of Vasant.Indian calendar has 12 ritus or seasons and Vasant is the most beautiful of them so much so that it is called the king of seasons or Ritu Raj.Warm bright sunshine,pleasant weather,lovely flowers,gentle breeze,new leaves in soft green hues are the features of this season. As this is preceded by a long winter mother nature and its beings who had been pushed into inactivity and slumber now have the natural urge to grow,create and begin anew.As we all know that nothing can be created without knowledge, in my view this may be the reason that this day is dedicated to the worship of Saraswati-the deity of Knowledge.

Let us behold the divine form of Maa Saraswati as described in our scriptures:-

Hence vasant panachami is the ideal day to seek the blessings of Maa Saraswati.We could begin the day by getting up early and after the daily rituals get dressed in yellow colour attire,go to the temple and offer yellow flowers and sweets made of saffron and turmeric to the deity.Yellow colour holds special significance as it is the colour of creativity and it symbolises the offering of our creative potential to the deity for her blessings.It is also common practice to offer white clothes,necklace of white pearls,white lotus and white fan to the Devi. Students present their books for the blessings and the musicians are seen to offer their musical instruments also.This day is also considered auspicious to begin formal education to the child It is also recommended to chant the following mantra 108 times on this day:-“Om Aim Maha Saraswtai Namah”.As the entire landscape is at its best,it is a good idea to spend sometime in the open savouring the beauty all around.

Vasant Panchami is also dedicated to the worship of Kamdev and his consort Rati and also to Lord Krishna and Radha.Worshipping them on this day ensures marital bliss.As these deities represent pure love,the atmosphere on this day is filled with romance and love.This may be the reason that it is also called as the Indian Valentine Day.