Finally, the first whisper of spring arrived, and on 23rd January, Vasanta Panchami was celebrated in its full grandeur at Sri Mayapur Dham.

Vasanta Panchami marks the first day of spring in India, the season of renewal, blossoming life, and gentle warmth after winter’s stillness. In Sri Mayapur Dham, this sacred day is not merely observed—it is offered, with devotion overflowing in color, fragrance, and loving service to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

On this auspicious occasion, the altar transformed into a golden vision of spring. Bunches and bundles of fresh flowers were lovingly gathered and arranged, culminating in a breathtaking marigold petal dress that shimmered like the bright spring sun itself. The golden-yellow hues radiated warmth, joy, and divine celebration.

For an entire day prior, the students of the Mayapur Institute and the devotee community came together as one heart and one effort—bringing magic to life through seva. Every petal was placed with intention, every detail infused with love, creating not just a dress, but a living offering of devotion.

Srimati Radharani, along with Her Ashta-sakhis, were adorned in a beautiful yellow tint, embodying the spirit of Vasanta. Yellow—Vasanti Vastra—symbolizes the blooming mustard fields of Vraja, the returning warmth of the sun, and the joy of divine love awakening once more.

As Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad-gita (10.35):
“ṛtūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ” —
“Of seasons, I am the flower-bearing spring.”

And truly, standing before the Deities, one could feel that verse come alive.

The mukut (crowns) were exquisitely crafted—ornate, radiant, and regal—adorned with floral artistry that framed Their lotus faces perfectly. Each crown shimmered with intricate detailing, enhancing the already supremely beautiful expressions of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Even Chota Radha Madhava appeared exceptionally enchanting, Their youthful forms glowing with a sweetness that captured every heart.

The inspiration for this divine attire was drawn from Prabhudhananda Saraswati’s Sri Vrindavan Mahatmya, where the glories of Srimati Radharani are described so poetically. It is said that the black bumblebees are irresistibly drawn only to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, intoxicated by Her unmatched beauty and divine fragrance—just as every soul is naturally drawn to Her loving shelter.

On Vasanta Panchami, that truth felt visible.
The altar itself seemed to hum with life, like Vrindavan in spring—where devotion blooms effortlessly and love flows without restraint.

This was not just a festival.
It was spring offered at the lotus feet of the Divine Couple!

Along with the celebration of spring and the divine beauty of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Vasanta Panchami is also made even more auspicious by the appearances and remembrances of exalted Vaishnava personalities, whose lives embody devotion, renunciation, and pure love for Krishna.

• Srimati Vishnupriya Devi (Appearance)
The eternally devoted consort of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srimati Vishnupriya Devi is worshiped for Her unparalleled chastity, patience, and absorption in the Holy Name. After Mahaprabhu accepted sannyasa, She spent Her life in deep separation, offering every moment in chanting and remembrance—showing the world the highest standard of quiet, unwavering devotion.

• Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami (Appearance)
One of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan and the prayojana-acharya of our Gaudiya lineage. His life exemplifies the pinnacle of renunciation and internal service. Through his writings and example, he revealed the deepest moods of service to Srimati Radharani, guiding devotees toward the ultimate goal of pure love of God.

• Srila Raghunandana Thakura (Appearance)
A perfect example of childlike faith and simplicity. As a young boy, his loving devotion compelled his Deity of Sri Gopinatha to actually eat the offerings he prepared—demonstrating that Krishna is conquered not by ritual, but by pure love.

• Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi (Appearance)
A most confidential associate of Lord Chaitanya and the spiritual master of Gadadhara Pandita. Mahaprabhu would lovingly address him as “Father” and would weep in remembrance of his deep devotion and refined spiritual ecstasy.

• Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura (Disappearance)
One of the most profound acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. He gifted the world timeless works such as Gurvastakam, which devotees sing daily, and illuminating commentaries on the Srimad-Bhagavatam. His writings protect and clarify the pure teachings of bhakti.

• Goddess Saraswati (Worship on Vasanta Panchami)
On this day, Saraswati Devi, the goddess of learning and wisdom, is worshiped. In the Vaishnava understanding, she is recognized as a devotee of Krishna who bestows transcendental knowledge, enabling the soul to understand and glorify the Supreme Lord properly.