Basant Panchami Tilakotsav: Kashi Vishwanath's Tilak Today, Mahashivratri Wedding Preparations Begin

• Basant Panchami marks the beginning of Mahashivratri preparations in Kashi with the Tilakotsav of Shri Kashi Vishwanath.
• Lord Shiva's Tilak is applied before Saptarishi Aarti, a 500-year-old tradition, with responsibilities given to Siddhapeeth Badi Sheetla Mata Temple.
• Mahashivratri, the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is on February 15, followed by the Gauna ceremony on Rangbhari Ekadashi (February 27).
• On Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shiva returns to Kashi with Mata Parvati, and the Holi festivities officially commence.
• Devotees celebrate Mahashivratri with vigils, fasts, and visits to various Shiva temples in Kashi, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Why It Matters: Basant Panchami initiates the grand wedding festivities of Lord Shiva and Parvati in Kashi, culminating in Mahashivratri and Gauna.