Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami festival is one of the widely celebrated festivals in India. Basant Panchami, also known as ‘Saraswati Panchami’ or ‘Shri Panchami,’ is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati- the goddess of wisdom, learning, art, music, plus knowledge. 

In the West Bengal region, people celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm, complete devotion, and happiness. There, they call it “Saraswati Puja.” In 2021, the Saraswati Puja festival will occur on 16th February. 

Significance of Basant Panchami:

“Basant” denotes the spring season or Vasant Ritu, and “Panchami” indicates the 5th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight). Therefore, the celebration marks the beginning of the spring season.

The day is extremely auspicious for scholars and people who newly started their careers. Students keep their notebooks, pens, or musical instruments near Goddess Saraswati’s feet; most importantly, they ask for enlightenment. Eventually, young children learn to write their first alphabets in front of the goddess Saraswati. The old-age tradition is called ‘Vidya Arambham’ or ‘Akshar Abhyasam’ or ‘Hathey Khori.’

Besides, schools and colleges organize special events, and students fly kites on this day that is a traditional and fun custom. 

Basant Panchami Rituals:

It is a unique Hindu festival that involves different rituals and traditions that varies from region to region. However, the day signifies the color yellow. And yellow represents the vibrancy of life and the vividness of nature. Hence, followers dress up in yellow clothes, especially young girls and boys adorn bright yellow dresses to participate in the festivity. 

On this day, devotees elegantly beautify the Saraswati Murti (idol) and decorate the prayer premises with flowers, garland, plus offer sweets and a special Bhog (food offerings) of ‘Kesar Halwa.’

You should celebrate this immensely auspicious festivity seeking her divine blessings to get enlightened with wisdom and knowledge. 

Feature Image Credit: Pinterest.