Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami is a religious Hindu festival of Saraswati puja also called as Shree Panchami. The seasonal spring festival of Vasant Panchami is observed in many regions: the Basant Festival of Kites of the Punjab region; observance in Gurdwaras as a Sikh festival; the birthday of the Deo-Sun God in Bihar and a harvest festival. It is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Indian month of Magha. Therefore, this year Vasant Panchami will be celebrated on 16th February.

Significance

• Devotees worship Goddess Saraswati to attain enormous knowledge.
• Maa Saraswati is also worshiped on this day to get rid of lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.
• In addition to Saraswati Puja, people worship the mother earth and the crops or agriculture for a rich harvest.
• Many astrologers consider Vasant Panchami as ‘Abujha’ day, which is auspicious to start all good work.

Rituals

• The color yellow has a great significance in the celebration of Vasant Panchami. It is believed to be the symbol of blossoming flowers of mustard. Thus, the followers of Saraswati wear yellow attire.
• Since the goddess is considered to be an essence of wisdom and knowledge, therefore, the day is celebrated in educational institutions also. Statues of Saraswati are adorned with yellow sari and jewelry. These are then worshiped, prayers are offered, and musical events are organized to appease the goddess.
• In West Bengal, it is celebrated as Sri Panchami. Colorful processions are held to carry idols of Saraswati and immerse it in the holy water of river Ganga.
• Young children often begin learning on this day, known as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana, which is believed to be the reason why the educational institutions start in the month of March.

Although there is no special time to perform Saraswati Puja, one should still make sure that the puja is performed while ‘Panchami Tithi’ is prevailing.