Basant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring season after
the harsh winter and it used to be the celebration of love and friendship in
Hindu tradition. Basant Panchami to Holi was the season of love – dedicated to
lovers. Even today for many Hindu communities, Basant Panchami is an occasion
for worshipping the Hindu God of Love, Kamadeva, and his companion Rati along
with goddess Saraswati — the deity of knowledge.
Professor of Sanskrit at PU Shankarji Jha says,
"Spring, which brings vitality and vigour, is undoubtedly the season of
love. In ancient times, it was the occasion when lovers prayed for a fruitful
life of togetherness. Even now, people in Varanasi
and parts of West Bengal and Orissa worship
the Hindu deities of love on the occasion. Basant Panchami is also considered
an auspicious time for weddings and starting new ventures." (Source Times of India article on Basant Panchami)
Basant ritu (spring) finds a mention in renowned Sanskrit
poet Kalidasa's romantic play — Abhijnanasakuntalam — and poems like
Ritusamhara.
Other literary works — like Banabhatta's Kadambari and Harshacharita that were
written in the 7th century AD — address the subject of spring as a season of
love in an exquisite manner. Sri Krishna is believed to have played Holi during this season - all fun and frolicking of Sri Krishna happened during this period.
Professor of Sanskrit at PU Shankarji Jha says,
"Spring, which brings vitality and vigour, is undoubtedly the season of
love. In ancient times, it was the occasion when lovers prayed for a fruitful
life of togetherness. Even now, people in
But we do not get to hear the noises that are made during Valentine's
Day on Basant Panchami.
Sanatana Dharma (Hindu tradition) need not borrow a day (Valentine's
Day) from an alien culture to promote love but sadly this is what is happening
now during the first two weeks of February.
Sanatana Dharma has dedicated an entire season
to lovers - Basant Panchami to Holi - and this is closely associated with nature –
when everything is fresh and new after the winter – when there is hope all
around, with blooming flowers, fresh leaves, songs of the returning birds…