Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami or shree panchami or Saraswati Puja is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magh month which is the first day of spring every year according to the Hindu calendar. The day falls somewhere in the months of January to February according to the Gregorian calendar. On this day Goddess Saraswati who is the goddess of knowledge, music and art is worshipped.
Background
It is believed that Goddess Saraswathi was born on this day. Maa Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma. She signifies knowledge and learning. There are many legends associated with goddess Saraswati. According to one legend it is believed that lord Brahma after creating the universe was very disappointed to see that there was silence everywhere. So he evoked goddess Sararswati who gave sound to his creation through her veena.
Goddess Saraswati has a serene expression and an elegant presence around her. She is seated on a white lotus and is dressed in a pure white sari. The white swan which she rides is symbolising Sattwa Guna which indicates that people should have the ability to discriminate good from the bad. She has four hands in one she carries a lotus and in other she carries scriptures. With her other two hands she plays music on the veena.
How is Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) Celebrated
This day is considered very auspicious and is also known as the Abujh Muhurat. This day is considered very auspicious for starting of education and children are taught their first letter on this day. On this day goddess sarasawati is worshipped in all temples and homes. Schools, colleges organise special worship of Saraswati. Books and pencils are placed at the goddess feet and worshipped on this day. She is also the goddess of art and music. So before starting any music or art goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Colour yellow has special significance on this day as it signifies spirituality and vibrancy of life. It also signifies the spring when the crops start ripening. On this day people wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers to the gods. Even sweets are coloured yellow by adding saffron.
In some places pitr-tarpan or ancestor worship is performed while many also worship kamdev-God of Love on this day.in some places kite flying completions are also held. This day is celebrated with great devotion and religious fervour across the country.