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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
Gang, the Deity of the sacred river Ganges, and the earth.
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.