Phagun | ਫੱਗਣ

Mid-February to Mid-March

It is during the early spring months of February and March that we see beautiful bulbs, flowering into delightful colourful displays of white, yellow and purple. From the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are sung hymns in the tune of Raag Basant.

Raag Basant reminds us of the newness of spring and informs us to brush away our conceit and selfishness, just as spring-cleaning removes cobwebs to create a fresh new seasonal start.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in Raag Tukhari in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji says:

‘…I have adorned myself with garlands of flowers, pearl necklaces, scented oils and silk robes.

O Nanak, the Guru has united me with the Lord and I, the bride, have obtained my groom in my very home.’

This is a beautiful spiritual message. Guru Ji uses imagery drawn from nature to paint a wonderful canvas, with metaphors of flowers, pearls, oils, and silk. The soul-bride (devotee) through firm  discipline, faith, determination and intense meditation has decorated herself with wonderful virtues. She has raised her awareness to a very high level, leading to ego erosion, opening the floodgates to merge (marry) with the husband Lord and leading to enlightenment.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an incredible observer of creation and intertwines examples from the natural world with exquisite poetry and music to create hymns of intense beauty that render the devotee in utmost awe.

Flowers can remind us of which inner virtues to cultivate. They are full of scent and bright colours-a reminder that virtue and joy are to be expressed unconditionally to every being around us.

A new season thus beckons, full of hope and joy.