Vasant Panchami (February 13 this year) is celebrated to herald the beginning of Vasanta Ritu, the spring season. Although the weather is still chilly, the man in the field looks to the warmth of the approaching spring. In ancient days, rishis lived in forests and through sharp observation of the flora and fauna, they noticed the early signs of Vasanta Ritu, when birds started to build nests and plants began to sprout tender green shoots. Vasant Panchami is popular, especially in Bengal, where students participate eagerly in this festival.Vasant Panchami is observed on Magha Sukla Panchami and is dedicated to Devi Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. Brahma is the lord of creation and his consort, Sarasvati, is the goddess of creativity in the sciences and the arts. The artist and the scientist find fulfilment in creation and invention. They experience deep satisfaction when their work is creative, fresh and original.The artist reflects the colours and shapes that he sees all around him; he expresses the various rhythms and sounds in his music. The scientist is thrilled to discover the laws of physics, chemistry and biology, and uses this knowledge to design practical objects.Einstein remarked that he felt like a boy who had picked up a shell on the beach when he discovered the laws of relativity. He was filled with wonder at the complexity of the universe and realised that his knowledge was minuscule against the immensity of the cosmos that was beyond the human intellect.Yellow is the popular colour used for decoration on Vasant Panchami day. Marigolds (called gainda in the north, chamanti in the south) are available in profusion and used for worship. Yellow silk with a gold border is draped on the icons of Sarasvati and Ganesa, and students pray fervently for success in their exams that loom around the corner.Yellow is the colour of haldi (turmeric) and a symbol of ripeness and maturity. Haldi is considered sacred all over India. Our forefathers perceived its anti-bacterial qualities and ability to cure septic wounds, colds and coughs. Grandma’s cure for a sore throat remains a pinch of haldi and black pepper powder in a half a glass of milk boiled and sweetened with gur (jaggery). A daily dose of this after dinner will cure cold and cough. Haldi with gram flour is a face wash to keep one’s complexion. Such are spring’s benefits for mind and body.Excerpted from ‘Tattvaloka’, the Sringeri Mutt magazine, February 2005
