The month of Ashvina

Product Description

This painting is from the Baramasa series of Kangra paintings depicting month of Ashvina (Sept-Oct). Ashvina is the month of religious ceremonies, when the spirits of the departed ancestors are propitiated. The lover is consoling his beloved who is feeling sad at the thought of his impending departure on travels. In the background are a lotus lake and a temple.  The painting is inspired by the following poem (translated to English) of famous Hindi poet Keshavdas from Kavipriya :

During this month the spirits of the ancestors come (down the earth) to receive propitiations. People worship the nine Durgas for success in life and salvation beyond. The kings accompanied by the pundits set out on tour to see their kingdoms. The sky is quite clear (after the rainy season) and the lotuses are in bloom in the ponds. The nights are brightly illuminated by the moon. Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi are engaged in celestial dance. In this month, which is like Kalpataru for love-making, why leave home to make me sad.