A Study of Indian Spring Festivals From Ancient and Medieval Sanskrit Texts

Abstract

<p>This thesis reflects an attempt to arrive at a full description of the ancient and medieval Indian Spring Festival (Vasantotsava) on the basis of descriptions found in Sanskrit texts and an analysis of the ritual activities of which this festival is composed. The thesis is divided into three chapters. The first contains a discussion of some of the problems encountered in studying the Spring Festival such as the time at which it was celebrated, differences in the manner in which it was celebrated and various sources which describe the festival. Chapter Two contains a description and analysis of the festival on the basis of five primary texts, the Ratnaval1, the Kathasaritsagara, the Vikramacarita, two chapters from the Bhavisya Purana, and the Virupaksavasantotsavacampu. Chapter Three provides a general concluding statement pertaining to the Vasantotsava and examines Vedic precedents often cited for this festival as well as selected descriptions of modern manifestations of this festival.</p> <p>The classic Ratnaval1, written by Ratnavali in the seventh century A. D. in central India, not only contains a detailed and vivid description of the Spring Festival but was written to be performed on this occasion as well. The Ratnaval1, in its description, emphasizes the rowdiness which characterizes this festival. Participants engage in drinking, singing, and dancing as well as the ritual of powder throwing. The Ratnaval1 also gives us information regarding the ritual worship of Kama, the Hindu god of love.</p>