Vasant Panchami

"Vasant Panchami"

Vasant Panchami, the Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It is also known as 'Basant Panchami.' It falls every year on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Magha Maas, i.e., the month of January or February as per the Gregorian calendar. This year, it is on '26th January 2023.' This festive occasion marks the onset of spring season, the king of all seasons. Apart from spring, it also marks the preparations of Holika or Holi lying 40 days after.

She is worshiped under so many names like Vagishwari, Bhagwati, Sharda, Vagdevi and Veenavadini, provide us with learning & intelligence. Her historical depiction in the Hindu scriptures as playing the instrument 'Veena' while sitting upon a swan. Saraswati Maa is the sole protector of our attitudes and intellect.

Here is a story (Katha) that signifies the importance of this day: After creating the whole world, Lord Brahma found something missing because of complete silence on the earth. He got an idea & gave emergence to an angel by sprinkling some water from his Kamandal in the air. He asked the angel to play something so that the Earth will get free of silence. Ultimately, she started playing music. It is considered that Brahma gave the name of 'Saraswati' to that angel who is believed to provide voice, intelligence, force & glory to the world.

It is celebrated all over India, as a thanksgiving, mainly by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, & also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Java, and Bali in Indonesia and so many more countries. On this day, Saraswati Puja is performed. Other than Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge), Lord Surya (Sun God), Mother Ganga (Ganges), Bhu Devi (Mother Earth), Kamdev (God of love) & his consort, Rati are also worshiped at many places. The worship of elements of nature sustains human beings, plants, and animals.

This festival has a great importance in Bhagavad Gita where Krishna depicts 'Vasant' as one of his forms.

Yellow being Maa’s favourite colour, there is a special significance of it on this day. As per the traditions, yellow sweet rice along with yellow colored halwa, fruits are offered to Mata Saraswati as Prasad. Also, during this time, the fields of yellow mustard charm everyone's heart, that's why, people dress in yellow on this auspicious occasion.

This day is considered the best for the knowledge seekers and hence, in all the educational institutes, prayers are held, children are taught about the significance of Goddess Saraswati in their educational journey.

Happy Vasant Panchami!