History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.1979

v6.c81.1979

*Vasantotsava*—(festival of spring). There is a poetic and detailed description of the advent of spring in Vā. 6 10-21; the Mālavikāgnimitra and Ratnāvalī were both brought on the stage in Vasantotsava as expressly stated in the *prastāvanā* to both; the third Act of the former drama shows that in this festival presents of red Aśoka flowers were sent to one's dear ones and wives in high families used to be seated on a swing with their husbands. NS 229 puts it on Cai. kr. 1 (by pūrṇimānta reckoning), while PC 100 places it on M. śu 5 (following NA) The first Act of a drama Pārijātamañjarī-nāṭikā is called Vasantotsava in Caitra-parva; vide E. I. vol. VIII pp 96 ff where two Acts of the drama by Madana, upādhyāya of Arjunavarman of Dhārā, are published from a stone.