Vasant Panchami : The Divine day of Knowledge and Arts

Vasant Panchami also known as Saraswati Puja or the Basant Festival of Kites is a Hindu festival that highlights the arriving of spring season and mark the end of winter season. Celebrated every year across India on 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha, that falls during January – February. Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, music and culture.

Significance:

This auspicious day observes the birth of goddess Saraswati . Hindu folks celebrate this day with great ardor in temples, homes and even schools and colleges to receive and enhance one’s knowledge and consciousness. The beloved white color of goddess Saraswati has a special significance on this day. Statues of the goddess are adorned in white dresses and are worshiped by devotees dressing white garments. The goddess is offered sweets which are given away as ‘prasad’ to all people attending the ritual worship. The day is also meant to usher new beginnings in the life of infants. Traditionally children were taught to write their first word on this day. It is considered a blessed beginning of learning with the Goddess of Knowledge worshiped as the presiding deity on this day.

Also, Kite flying is associated with the festival of Basant Panchami. Especially in Punjab, the kite flying tradition has been given great importance.

Welcome celebration to springtime

With the start of spring season, fresh and gentle breeze replaces the haunting cold and there’s a touch of rejuvenation in the air. These leaves and blossoms appear in the trees with the promise of new life and hope. Vasant Panchami also announces the arrival of another big springtime event in the Hindu calendar – Holi, the festival of colors.