Posted by Mumbai:Ranga Panchami is one of the vibrant spring festivals celebrated across India, five days after Holi. This year, it falls on March 30. It is primarily observed in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and other northern regions of India, and marks the culmination of the Holi festival. The name ‘Ranga Panchami’ derives from ‘Ranga Pancha,’ meaning the festival of colours, which aligns with the Panchami Tithi.
Tithi and Shubh Mahurat
According to the Drik Panchang, the Panchami Tithi begins at 8:20 pm on March 29 and concludes at 9:13 pm on March 30. The auspicious time or shubh mahurat will be from 7.46 am to 9.19 am on March 30.
Significance
Ranga Panchami marks the triumph over the Raja and Tama Gunas and serves as a reminder of the fundamental elements and life forces that shape our world. It awakens the five essential elements or Panch Tatva- fire, air, water, earth, and space. Often linked with Holi and referred to as Krishna Panchami due to its association with Krishna Paksha Panchami Tithi, Ranga Panchami has a profound cultural and spiritual significance.
Celebrations
The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm using gulal. Various temples organise Rangotsava and showcase special tableaux. Cultural events and performances, including the captivating Palkhi dance, are highlights of the Ranga Panchami celebrations. The occasion also commemorates the playful Holi festivities of Lord Krishna with Goddess Radha.
On the day of Rang Panchami, people play Holi with the Gods and Goddesses by applying colours to them as per tradition. The festival is predominantly celebrated at temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, such as the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Many devotees visit these temples to observe Ranga Panchami, offer prayers and engage in colourful Holi celebrations with flowers and colours. The day is spent in joyous festivities, encompassing dancing, singing, and performing rituals to honour and seek blessings from the deities.
History
According to the mythology, when Kamadeva, the God of love, tried to disrupt Lord Shiva’s meditation, an angered Lord Shiva reduced him to ashes. Moved by Kamadeva’s wife, Goddess Rati’s prayers and pleas from other deities, Lord Shiva promised to resurrect Kamadeva. Overjoyed by this, the Gods and Goddesses descended to Earth to celebrate Holi, spreading colours, gulal, and abir.
As per religious belief, it’s believed that Lord Krishna and Radha played Holi on Rang Panchami. Watching their playful celebration, the deities showered flowers upon them in delight. This event initiated the tradition of applying gulal to the idols on the day of Rang Panchami.