VASANTA PANCHAMI

This is an important bathing day. All Hindus observe it. It is also known as Magh Sukla
Panchami as it falls in the month of Magh (January-February). This is the festival that marks the
first day of spring.
Vasanta means the spring season, which is very congenial for doing vigorous Yoga
Sadhana.
Men, women and girls wear yellow cloth. The yellow colour is a sign of auspiciousness and
spirituality. It represents the ripening of the spring crops. Even the food is coloured yellow by using
saffron. All the folk get together and sing songs connected with spring.
All get up in the early morning, take bath and worship the sun, Mother Ganga, the Deity of
the sacred river Ganges, and the earth.
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HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS
On this memorable day, Lord Shiva burnt the god of love, Cupid. The gods had sent Cupid
to tempt the Lord while he was absorbed in Samadhi, in order to beget a powerful son who would be
able to destroy the wicked demon Tarakasura. Cupid discharged an arrow at Lord Shiva from
behind a tree. Shiva became very greatly enraged. He opened His third eye and reduced Cupid to
ashes. More details of this story are given in the chapter on Skanda Sashti.
The Bengalis call this festival Saraswathi Puja. They worship the Goddess Saraswathi on
this day. The image of the Goddess is taken in procession and immersed in the holy Ganges.