Saraswati Puja, another name for Basant Panchami, is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. It is observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, which usually occurs in January or February, during the bright fortnight. India and Nepal celebrate the colourful and joyous festival of Basant Panchami with great enthusiasm.
History of Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami, immersed in the vibrant colours of spring, celebrates the change of the seasons as well as the birth of a god. According to legend, it began with the appearance of Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the arts, or with Lord Krishna’s victory over legendary demons. This yearly occasion, which usually occurs in January or February, commemorates the end of winter’s winter hibernation and the joyful return of nature. It falls on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in Magha month. At this time of year, when the sky is painted a vivid ode to the return of spring by the lively tapestry of kites, and yellow-like blooming mustard fields, it is a time to pray for wisdom and success.
Significance of Basant Panchami
Hindus celebrate Basant Panchami as a major holiday for several reasons. It’s an occasion to honour the goddess Saraswati and ask for her blessings for academic and other success. It’s also a time to take joy in the approach of spring and the rebirth of the natural world. Throughout the festivities, yellow is a prominent colour that is connected to Saraswati and spring.
Auspicious beginning for Basant Panchami 2024
- Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
- Time: 10:48 AM to 12:35 PM
How is Basant Panchami celebrated?
In both India and Nepal, Basant Panchami is widely observed with great enthusiasm. People pray to the goddess Saraswati, wear yellow clothing, and decorate their homes with flowers. Offering writing instruments and textbooks to Saraswati, students ask for her blessings for success in their studies. People also take pleasure in eating traditional sweets, dancing, and singing.
Some of the traditional customs and rituals associated with Basant Panchami include:
- Saraswati Puja: Invokes the goddess Saraswati with prayers. They offer her idol books, pens, and musical instruments in exchange for her blessings for academic and professional success.
- Holi: Basant Panchami is observed as a pre-Holi festival in some regions of India. People use water and yellow Gulal powder to play.
- Kite flying: On Basant Panchami, kite flying is a well-liked pastime. A riot of colors fills the sky as people fly kites of all sizes and shapes.
- Yellow food: Consuming yellow food on Basant Panchami represents Saraswati and the colour of spring. Popular yellow dishes include laddoos, halwa, and kesari bhath.
Conclusion
The lovely and joyous festival of Basant Panchami celebrates the coming of spring and the rebirth of the natural world. This is the time to honour the goddess Saraswati and ask for her blessings so that we may succeed in all that we do. Thus, Basant Panchami is the ideal occasion to celebrate if you’re looking for one!