As spring knocks on India’s door, Vasant Panchami fills homes with Saraswati worship—new slates, inks, and vows for knowledge. Less known is its role as Lord Shiva’s Tilak day, a vibrant precursor to his marriage with Parvati, celebrated with unparalleled zeal in Varanasi.
Drawing from religious texts, this ritual mirrors wedding traditions where the groom’s family receives tilak. On this day, Shiva’s idols receive the same honor, initiating Mahashivratri preparations. In Kashi’s labyrinthine temples, the atmosphere turns bridal: priests apply turmeric-sandalwood paste, sprinkle gulal, and drape floral veils over the deity.
Bhakts believe this marks Shiva shedding his ascetic veil for wedded life. Crowds surge forward with offerings—petals, haldi mounds, and prayers—creating a sea of saffron devotion. The ritual not only honors the couple’s legend but heralds Vasant Ritu’s warmth.
The pièce de résistance? Saffron-infused malpuas presented as naivedya, their aroma wafting through sanctums as symbols of prosperity and joy. Special aartis, kirtans, and fairs amplify the revelry, drawing families from afar.
In parallel, regions erect the Holika pole, foreshadowing Holi’s frenzy. This multifaceted festival bridges intellect with spirituality, Shiva’s tilak reminding us that even gods partake in human rituals of love and renewal.