Vasant Panchami

Maha sud 5 is known as Vasant Panchami. 'Vasant' means spring. Since every season has a 'gestation' period of 40 days, the true onset of spring occurs 40 days after Vasant Panchami.

Vasant is the period between the time when the sun enters the Meen rashi (Pisces) till entry into Vrushabh (Taurus).

There is no scriptural story associated with this festival. It is celebrated more in welcoming the blooming of nature after the winter's dormancy.

Kalidas lauds Vasant as 'Ruturaj' - king of seasons, in his 'Raghuvamsha'. In the Gita, Lord Krishna considers Vasant as one of this 'vibhutis' (forms): 'Rutunaam Kusumaakaraha'.