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Line 140: − * 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. Neem leaves as prasad- bitter, dry, kapha reducing+ − * 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.+ − + − * 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.+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Vasanta Rutucharya (वसन्त ऋतुचर्या) (view source)
Revision as of 14:56, 7 March 2023
, 14:56, 7 March 2023→Vasant Panchami
Vasanta Rutu/ Rtu (शरद ऋतुः) is one of the 6 seasons of the Hindu calendar year. Chaitra (चैत्रः) and Vaishakha (वैशाखः) masas (मासाः months) comprise of this season. It is the period of the year that can be called as Spring. It is the period of the year when the winter season in Bharata (भारतः) ends and the summer sets in. Hence this is the transition period from cold of winters to heat of summers. Therefore the diet, lifestyle regime, do's and dont's for this season are peculiar and are described under Vasanta rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या).
Vasanta Rutu/ Rtu (शरद ऋतुः) is one of the 6 seasons of the Hindu calendar year. Chaitra (चैत्रः) and Vaishakha (वैशाखः) masas (मासाः months) comprise of this season. It is the period of the year that can be called as Spring. It is the period of the year when the winter season in Bharata (भारतः) ends and the summer sets in. Hence this is the transition period from cold of winters to heat of summers. Therefore the diet, lifestyle regime, do's and dont's for this season are peculiar and are described under Vasanta rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या).
* मधुः चैत्रः, माधवः वैशाखः| (Dalhana commentary on Sush . Samh. 6.6)
* मधुः चैत्रः, माधवः वैशाखः| (Dalhana commentary on Sush . Samh. 6.6)
</blockquote>Thus, Chaitra and Vaishakha are the 2 months in the lunar calendar which fall under Vasanta rtu. While, as per Gregorian calendar Hemanta is grossly a a period from Mid March to Mid May.
</blockquote>Thus, Chaitra and Vaishakha are the 2 months in the lunar calendar which fall under Vasanta rtu. While, as per Gregorian calendar Hemanta is grossly a period from Mid March to Mid May.
#Chaitra or Madhu (मधु) - Mid March -Mid April
#Chaitra or Madhu (मधु) - Mid March -Mid April
#Vaishakha or Madhava (माधवः)- Mid April to Mid May
#Vaishakha or Madhava (माधवः)- Mid April to Mid May
== अव्यापन्नवसन्तप्रावृडृतुलक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of Vasanta Rtu ==
== अव्यापन्नवसन्तऋतुलक्षणानि॥ Characteristics of Vasanta Rtu ==
Vasanta rtu is called as the king of the 6 rtus. The reason behind it being the pleasant and cheerful weather in this season. Vasanta appears after the chilling cold of the winters and before the extremely hot weather of Greeshma. The temperature level reaches an optimum level and flowers begin to blossom. It is the season when the dormant buds, trees start blooming on getting sufficient sunlight and warmth to grow. The darkness of night starts reducing and the daytime light span starts increasing gradually. The life on the earth is not in a dormant stage but starts surfacing, growing and blooming once again after dormant period of winters. Branches of the trees start bearing new tender leaves. The blooming flowers on the mountains like Malaya spread their fragrance everywhere through the blowing winds causing happiness and energy in the atmosphere. The weather is clear (unlike smoky and foggy air of winters). Forests are adorned with the blossoming trees like Kinshuka (''Forest flame''). Birds like cuckoo and bees sing and represent happy cheerful life on the earth. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 25-28)</ref> The nature of spring or vasanta affects humans in such a way that one can feel the energy, affection and love in the air growing.
Vasanta rtu is called as the king of the 6 rtus. The reason behind it being the pleasant and cheerful weather in this season. Vasanta appears after the chilling cold of the winters and before the extremely hot weather of Greeshma. The temperature level reaches an optimum level and flowers begin to blossom. It is the season when the dormant buds, trees start blooming on getting sufficient sunlight and warmth to grow. The darkness of night starts reducing and the daytime light span starts increasing gradually. The life on the earth is not in a dormant stage but starts surfacing, growing and blooming once again after dormant period of winters. Branches of the trees start bearing new tender leaves. The blooming flowers on the mountains like Malaya spread their fragrance everywhere through the blowing winds causing happiness and energy in the atmosphere. The weather is clear (unlike smoky and foggy air of winters). Forests are adorned with the blossoming trees like Kinshuka (''Forest flame''). Birds like cuckoo and bees sing and represent happy cheerful life on the earth. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 25-28)</ref> The nature of spring or vasanta affects humans in such a way that one can feel the energy, affection and love in the air growing.
There are lot of foods, activities and remedies that can keep one healthy and energetic despite disequilibrium of bodily elements in Vasanta rtu.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
There are lot of foods, activities and remedies that can keep one healthy and energetic despite disequilibrium of bodily elements in Vasanta rtu.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
==== Diet ====
==== आहारः॥ Diet ====
* One must take food that is light to digest and is less fatty (low calorie).
* One must take food that is light to digest and is less fatty (low calorie).
* Old grains like Barley, wheat should be consumed.
* Old grains like Barley, wheat should be consumed.
* The food that is predominantly bitter/pungent in taste, Ushna [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]] (hot in potency), drying in nature is best suited in this season. However there should be a balance in making food choices and overindulgence in any type of food is not recommended.
* The food that is predominantly bitter/pungent in taste, Ushna [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]] (hot in potency), drying in nature is best suited in this season. However there should be a balance in making food choices and overindulgence in any type of food is not recommended.
==== Lifestyle and activities ====
==== विहारः॥ Lifestyle and activities ====
* [[Vyayama (व्यायामम्)]]: Exercise is must in this season. One can keep check of kapha levels with right amount of exercise and enjoy the healthy life.
* [[Vyayama (व्यायामम्)]]: Exercise is must in this season. One can keep check of kapha levels with right amount of exercise and enjoy the healthy life.
* [[Ayurvedic method of body scrub (उद्वर्तनम्)|Udwartana (उद्वर्तनम्)]]: It means scrubbing body with dry fragrant powders of herbs. The very act of rubbing the powders or scrubbing is said to reduce the kapha dosha. Hence this activity which is also included in [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|dinacharya]] (Daily routine) if intentionally practiced in this season can provide lot of health benefits.
* [[Ayurvedic method of body scrub (उद्वर्तनम्)|Udwartana (उद्वर्तनम्)]]: It means scrubbing body with dry fragrant powders of herbs. The very act of rubbing the powders or scrubbing is said to reduce the kapha dosha. Hence this activity which is also included in [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|dinacharya]] (Daily routine) if intentionally practiced in this season can provide lot of health benefits.
== पंचकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas done in Vasanta Rtu ==
== पंचकर्माणि॥ Panchakarmas done in Vasanta Rtu ==
Vasanta is the Shodhana Rtu which means specific panchakarma must be done in this season in order to bring about balance of doshas in body and achieve good health for entire year. Since Kapha dosha is aggravated in this season it is advised to be removed out of body through the procedure of Vamana (Therapeutic emesis). <blockquote>हरेद्वसन्ते श्लेष्माणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरेत् | वर्षासु शमयेद्वायुं प्राग्विकारसमुच्छ्रयात् ||३८|| Sus. Su. 6.38<br />
Vasanta is the Shodhana Rtu which means specific panchakarma must be done in this season in order to bring about balance of doshas in body and achieve good health for entire year. Since Kapha dosha is aggravated in this season it is advised to be removed out of body through the procedure of Vamana (Therapeutic emesis). <blockquote>हरेद्वसन्ते श्लेष्माणं पित्तं शरदि निर्हरेत् | वर्षासु शमयेद्वायुं प्राग्विकारसमुच्छ्रयात् ||३८|| Sus. Su. 6.38<br />तीक्ष्णैर्वमननस्याद्यै....र्जित्वा श्लेष्माणमुल्बणम्||१९| Asht. Hrud. 3.19</blockquote>The specific Panchakarmas advised in Vasanta are,
तीक्ष्णैर्वमननस्याद्यै....र्जित्वा श्लेष्माणमुल्बणम्||१९| Asht. Hrud. 3.19</blockquote>The specific Panchakarmas advised in Vasanta are,
* [[Vamana (वमनम्)]]: Therapeutic emesis
* [[Vamana (वमनम्)]]: Therapeutic emesis
* Anjana (अञ्जनम्) - Collyrium
* Anjana (अञ्जनम्) - Collyrium
== Specifications related to Vasanta rtu described in Samhitas (in any) ==
== Specifications related to Vasanta rtu described in Samhitas (in any) ==
Ruturaj - Vasant Rtu or Spring Season is ideally termed as ‘Rturaj’ or ‘King of all the Seasons’. During this time, there is neither cold nor hot and the climatic conditions are very pleasant. There is blossom and blooming of Flowers.
Ruturaj - Vasant Rtu or Spring Season is also known as ‘Rturaj’ or ‘King of all the Seasons’. <blockquote>वसन्त्यस्मिन् सुखम् । </blockquote>During this time, there is neither cold nor heat and the climatic conditions are very pleasant. There is blossom and blooming of Flowers.
New year: Vasanta is considered as the beginning of the year in most of the cultures in Bharata. Thus a new year is celebrated on the days of Chaitra masa of Vasanta e.g. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the Hindu New Year on the ‘Pratipada’ (1st day) of the month of Chaitra in Maharashtra. Ugadi begins from the first day of the ‘Chaitra’ month and marks the beginning of the New Year in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
== Festivals that appear in Vasanta Rtu and guide on useful regime ==
== Festivals that appear in Vasanta Rtu and guide on useful regime ==
Some of the important Hindu festivals are celebrated during the time of Vasant Ritu.
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 day of birth 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). According to one belief, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. As per another Basant Panchami story, God Rama ate half tasted grapes of Mata Shabari on Basant Panchami. The festival of Vasant Panchami is celebrated with great zeal and fervor in different parts of the country. The day of Basant Panchami is considered as the beginning of life. This day is the day of arrival of happiness. The season of spring is the season of rebirth and renewal. In this season, fields of yellow mustard charm everyone’s heart. Therefore, it is also considered auspicious by many to wear yellow on Basant Panchami.
* 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.
=== 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.
The parts of the gudi that is installed on the day of Gudhi padwa symbolize the substances and flavours one has to add to his diet in upcoming season of the year. e.g. Neem leaves, sugar candies, The prasadam on this day also consists of Neem leaves, coriander seeds and jaggery or sugar. Neem (Azadirecta indica) is the medicinal herb well known to every Indian and widely grown across the country. The therapeutic activity of this herb lies in its bitter taste and dryness causing property. Both these properties make it opposite to Kapha dosha in Body. Therefore it is best suited herb to reduce naturally aggravated Kapha in Vasanta Rtu. Also it is widely available and thus included in the prasada form on the day of Gudhi padwa. Corriander seeds, Sugar help to reduce the excess drying and elimination of Kapha through body wastes smoothly.
=== 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.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Yug’ and ‘Adi’,meaning ‘age’ and ‘starting’ respectively. Therefore, the word denotes the beginning of a new age. As with any other Hindu festival, there are several legends associated with the festival of Ugadi. But one of the most popular is that of Lord Brahma,who is said to have created the universe on this auspicious day, in the month of Chaitra. The occasion is also known as ChaitraSuddhaPadhyami.Since Ugadi also overlaps with the onset of spring and the harvest season, this day is believedto be highly auspicious forstarting new ventures.
Another inseparable ritual that has been followed for many years or maybe centuries is the preparation of a dish called Ugadi Pachhadi (Telegu). Also known as Bevu Bella in Kannada, the dish is a unique mixture of six different tastes, representing different experiences in life, which every individual should learn to respect and accept and move ahead unrelentingly. People eat neem and jaggery together welcoming a life full of beautifully heart warming events in the coming years. And the practice is called Bevu Bella.
Tastes Of Ugadi Pachadi
Many delicacies are prepared during this festival and UgadiPacchadi, is the most popular among them. This dish is a fusion of various tastes. The six tastes of UgadiPachhadi are sweet, sour, salty bitter, pungent and spicy and the basic ingredients are neem, jaggery, mango, tamarind, chilli and salt. These ingredients reflect the six aspects or emotions of life.
Symbolic Six Tastes of a Dish
The significance of this special dish UgadiPachhadi is that it symbolizes the six flavours of Ugadipachadi that reflects the various emotions of life as follows.
* Neem- This ingredient has a bitter taste and hence it symbolizes the bitterness of life.
* Jaggery- This imparts a sweet taste to the dish and symbolizes happiness of life.
* Tamarind- It has a sour taste and it reflects the unpleasant, disgusting phase of life.
* Mango- The tangy taste of the raw mango symbolizes the unexpected and the surprises of life.
* Salt- The salty taste signifies the fear, the unknown.
* Black pepper/Chilli- The red, hot chilli signifies the anger and outbursts in life.
=== 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.
Holika dahana
Then on the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan takes place. Effigy of Holika, the devil minded sister of demon King Hiranyakashyap is placed in the wood and burnt. For, Holika tried to kill Hiranyakashyap's son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of a true devotee.
Children also hurl abuses at Holika and pray pranks, as if they still try to chase away Dhundhi who once troubled little ones in the Kingdom of Prithu. Some people also take embers from the fire to their homes to rekindle their own domestic fires.
Play of Colors
Next day, is of course the main day of Holi celebrations. The day is called Dhuleti and it is on this day that the actual play of colours take place. There is no tradition of holding puja and is meant for pure enjoyment.
Ranga Panchami: Ranga Panchami usually falls after five days of Holi festivity in rest of the India
The tradition of playing colours is particularly rampant in north India and even in that region, there can be no comparison to the Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan. In Maharashtra and Gujarat too Holi is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and fun.
=== 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.Magh Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam and it marks the end of the harvesting season in the region. Magh Bihu is observed on the first day of Magh month as per Bengali Panjika. Magh Bihu is the Assam celebration of ''Sankranti'' and the celebrations last for a week. The festival of Magh Bihu is dedicated to ''Agni'', the Lord of Fire. However in the rest of India the festival of Sankranti is dedicated to ''Surya'', the Sun Lord. Magh Bihu is synonym of feasts and bonfires which begin one day before of Magh Bihu. The day preceding Magh Bihu is known as ''Uruka'' which is the last day of Poush month as per Assamese calendar. On Uruka day people erect makeshift huts, known as ''Meji'', from bamboo, leaves and thatch. The food for feasting is prepared inside Meji and a community feast is held on the Uruka night. The Meji is burned the next morning and the ashes are scattered on the farmlands to increase fertility. Magh Bihu is also known as ''Bhogali Bihu'' and ''Maghar Domahi''.
=== Vaisakhi ===
It is an ancient harvest festival celebrated in the Punjab region by all Punjabis regardless of their religion. For people of Punjab, especially the Sikhs, Vaisakhi is a very significant day. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as Sikh New Year based on Hindu Solar calendar. For the Sikh community, Vaisakhi is not only a harvest festival but also a religious festival. Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi as the day of the formation of the Khalsa (the pure one). On Vaisakhi day, in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa. He eliminated the difference between higher and lower caste communities and declared that all human beings are equal. Later the Guru tradition in Sikhism was put to an end and Guru Granth Sahib was declared as eternal guide and Holy Book of Sikhism. Vaisakhi is also spelled as Visakhi, Vaishakhi and Baisakhi.
=== Mesha Sankranti / Pohela Boishakh ===
Mesha Sankranti is celebrated as ''Naba Barsha (নববর্ষ)'', ''Noboborsho'' or ''Pohela Boishakh'' in West Bengal. Pohela Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali Calendar. Hence Pohela Boishakh is also known as Bengali New Year. Bengali New Year is celebrated in West Bengal and among Bengali communities in Assam and Tripura and in Bangladesh.
Hanuman Jayanti
Rama Navami - On Rama Navami day Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. On this day Lord Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya
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.
Akshaya Tritiya - Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious days. This day is ruled by god Vishnu, the preserver-god in the Hindu Trinity.
== References ==
== References ==