Saraswati’s Birthday: Goddess Saraswati is said to have been born on this day. It is considered most auspicious for students, artists and scholars.
Auspicious for New Beginnings: Many find this day auspicious for starting a child’s education (vidyarambham) or new creative ventures.
Tradition of flying kites in Punjab and northern India: Kite flying is a tradition that celebrates joy and freedom.
Connection to Nizamuddin Aulia: In Delhi, it is also celebrated in the memory of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Aulia, where mustard flowers are offered.
Yellow Foods: Kesar halwa, sweet saffron rice, boondi laddoo etc. are prepared on this day.
Marriage: In some parts of the country, it is considered auspicious to get married and many people get married on this day.
Saraswati Vandana: Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala is sung to get the blessings of the goddess.
Harvest: It is also associated with agricultural prosperity, as mustard fields are in bloom.
Temple Celebrations: Temples all over India especially in West Bengal and Bihar celebrate the Saraswati Puja with great pomp and show.
Literary and cultural activities: Schools and institutions organize recitation of poems, debates and music programmes in honour of goddess Saraswati.
Details
Vasant Panchami is the festival of spring and is also called Basant Panchami. It is dedicated to goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, learning and the arts. The festival falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of Magha month’s Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). It is a good day to start new educational and creative ventures.
The colour yellow, associated with energy, prosperity and the yellow mustard fields in full bloom, pervades the festival. People wear yellow, eat yellow food and offer prayers to seek knowledge and enlightenment. Schools, temples and cultural institutions conduct Saraswati Puja, where books, musical instruments and art tools are offered to the deity.
