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.