________________
Vasanta In Prakrit Literature
: 884
Festival
We also find this spring graciously presented by the Prakrit poets in their works through the rich description of the vernal festival. This spring festival, Madanotsava or Vasantotsava was being celebrated with flying colours from the fullmoon day of the month Phälguņa to the fifth day of the month Caitra (i.e., blackmoon fortnight) Rañgapañcami. "The season itself was one of much merriment and the genial influence of returning spring was hailed with music and jollity. "24 The whole of the first act of Ratnávali by Śrīharşa, in named after this spring festival. Luxurious description of this festival both in Prakrit and Sanskrit is the special feature of this drama. Manmatha was worshipped pompously with the tender shoots of the mango beneath the lovely tree Asoka.25 A shock of surprise makes Sānumatī in the Sākuntalam, enormously curious about the encroaching cause of prohibition to Vasantotsava (Vasantosavo padisiddho). Sāgarikā, the heroine, in the Ratnavalī, when she was enthusing over the queen worshipping the King Udayana, on the day of Madanotsava remarks that "In our country the portrait was adorned but Lo! here actual Madana is being worshipped. "26 Viśveśvara in his Sattaka Srngāramañjari takes the advantage of this festival to introduce the heroine's marvelous beauty to the King. From the Daśakumāracaritam we learn that this celebration of festival was proclaimed on the eve of festival itself (i.e. the previous day).) It was never a measly presentation.
Some heroines of the harems, as ladies were taking part in this festivity were exulting at this by arranging a small festival excursion on the outskirts of the city. As already noted that the adoration of Cupid was the most striking point of this festivity the female folk on this particular day were enjoying the festivities by way of singing songs on Cupid, and dancing cheerfully and making merry with their friends, even with menfolk to their content. 28 Part of the amusement of the people consisted in throwing over each
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
