Vasantotsav

The name Basant is from Sanskrit “Vasant” meaning “spring”, and during that season of the year Basant may be performed at any time of the day or night. Otherwise, it is reserved for the time between 9 PM to midnight. In the Indian musical tradition Ragmala gives Basant as putra (son) of Hindol, also a raga called Vasanta. 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.

Basant Panchmi is also considered auspicious time for weddings and stating new ventures. Festival of spring in India begins with Makar Sankranti and ends with Maha Shivratri. Amir Khusro and Nizamuddin Auliya celebrated the festival with songs that used the word basant (festival). Khusrau, a Sufi-poet of the 13th Century, composed verses about Vasanta.

Amidst the festivities of the spring season Allahabad Museum has put up this exhibition on the theme of vasanta as has been depicted in the art forms both on Terracotta and Indian miniature. The collection shows here in the exhibition elucidates the moods of people and the sound of music suited to the season.