Vasant Ritu
Vasant Ritu or Spring Season is ideally termed as
‘Rituraj’ or ‘King of all the Seasons’. During this time, there is neither cold
nor hot and the climatic conditions are very pleasant. Vasant Ritu falls during
the months of ‘Chaitra’ and ‘Baisakh’ as per the traditional Hindu calendar
while in the English calendar, springtime is observed from mid-February to
mid-April.
Significance
of Vasant Ritu:
The advent of Vasant Ritu marks the
end of cold winter season. The temperature level reaches an optimum level and
flowers begin to blossom. In the northern parts of the country, Vasant Ritu
heralds the beginning of outdoor activities like Kite flying and colourful Holi
festival.
Festivals observed during this Season:
Some of the important Hindu festivals are celebrated during the
time of Vasant Ritu.
- Vasant Panchami: Vasant Panchami is an
auspicious Hindu festival that marks the onset of the spring season or
Vasant Ritu. This day also commemorates the birthday of Devi Saraswati,
the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. Vasant Panchami is also known
as ‘Shree Panchami’ and is observed on the ‘Shukla Paksha Panchami’ (5th
day during the waxing phase of moon). The festival of Vasant Panchami is
celebrated with great zeal and fervour in different parts of the country.
- Gudi Padwa: Gudi Padwa is celebrated as
the Hindu New Year on the ‘Pratipada’ (1st day) of the month of Chaitra.
It also marks the beginning of the auspicious 9-day long ‘Chaitra
Navratri’ festivities. Gudi Padwa is celebrated with great pomp and show
in the Indian state of Maharashtra and the adjoining regions.
- Ugadi: The festival of Ugadi marks the
beginning of the New Year in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka. The celebrations of Ugadi or Yugadi begins from the first day
of the ‘Chaitra’ month, which is also first month of the traditional Hindu
calendar. This day is celebrated with different traditions and rituals all
across India.
- Holi: Holi is the colourful festival of
Hindus. It is one of the ancient festivals that celebrate the spirit of
brotherhood. Holi is rightly referred as the ‘Spring Festival’ and people
of all caste, creed or religious discriminations celebrate this festival
of colors. It is undoubtedly one of the enjoyable and boisterous festivals
of Hindus.
- Bihu: Bihu is the most significant
festival of Assam and is celebrated with full dedication by Assamese in
all corners of the world. This festival is characterised by its unique
traditions and rituals.
- Hanuman Jayanti: Hanuman Jayanti
celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman and is observed on the
‘Purnima’ or the full moon of the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’. Lord Hanuman
is a dedicated devotee of Lord Rama and is also known as ‘Anjaneya’ or
‘Bajrang Bali’. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and love
by the Hindus in all regions of India.
- Buddha Purnima: Buddha Purnima also known
as Buddha Jayanti is the most revered festivals of the Buddhist sect. This
day honours the three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha,
His birth, His enlightenment and Nirvana. Buddha Purnima is celebrated on
the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) during the ‘Vaisakh’ month of the
traditional Hindu calendar. On this day devout Buddhists worship Lord
Buddha and spread his teachings to all.
Post a Comment