RAMESH SAVAIKAR
The Hindu month of Magha is considered auspicious as it marks the arrival of spring. Having begun on January 30, it will conclude on
February 27.
Festivals such as Ganesh Jayanti, Ratha Saptami, and Dasboth Jayanti on Navami tithi, are celebrated during the bright fortnight of this month. There is a tradition of taking sacred water bath called ‘magh snan’ for one month commencing from the full moon day of Hindu Pausha month until the full moon day of Hindu Magha month. This year, ‘magh snan’ concludes on February 12.
As per Hindu Panchang, ‘Vasant Rutu’ spring season begins from February 18.
During this period, chanting of the beej mantra is considered auspicious. ‘Shitala Ekadashi’ vrat is observed on the 11th day of dark fortnight of this month by offering prayers and worshiping Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings and attain ‘moksha’.
Goddess Mahalakshmi is also worshiped to attain salvation and prosperity. ‘Tila Snan’ (sesame seeds bath) and donation of sesame seeds is considered auspicious.
Vasant Panchami, the fifth day of bright fortnight of month of Magha is celebrated throughout the country as it marks the arrival of spring. This year, it falls on February 18. Devotees offer prayers to seek blessings and houses are adorned with yellow flowers to symbolise the vibrant hues
of spring.
During the Magha month, various religious rituals are also performed like ‘homas’, ‘havnas’, ‘yagas’ and different types of ‘anushthanas’.
