Vasant

Vasant, sometimes spelled Vasanta or Vasanth, is a Sanskrit-derived term meaning spring. It is widely used in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, and Bengali, to denote the season that marks the transition from winter to warmer weather and renewed growth.

In traditional Indian calendars, Vasant is one of the six ritus or seasons. It is associated with blooming flowers, gentle temperatures, and the easing of chill, reflecting ecological and agricultural renewal. The exact timing of Vasant varies geographically but generally falls in the late winter to early spring period, roughly from February to March in many regions.

Culturally, Vasant is linked to several festivals and practices. The festival of Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts, signals the arrival of spring in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. Celebrations often emphasize yellow colors, symbolizing mustard flowers and sunshine, and include offerings, songs, and learning-focused observances.

As a given name, Vasant is a common masculine name in India. It has variants such as Vasanth and Vasanta and appears across languages and communities, reflecting the seasonal and renewal associations of the term. In literature, music, and everyday speech, Vasant is frequently used to evoke the imagery and mood of spring.