Basant Panchami or Saraswati puja is celebrated on the fifth day of Magha month. It marks the beginning of the Spring season (King of all Seasons). On this day Saraswati Maa is worshipped who is Hindu Goddess of knowledge, speech, music, wisdom, learning and art.
Why is Basant Panchami celebrated?
- The festival is celebrated to welcome the Spring season and the ripening of the yellow colored mustard flowers. That is why yellow color has special significance on this day.
- There is a story behind why Saraswati Maa is worshipped on Basant Panchami. Lord Brahma created the universe and all the beings on it. On this day he visited the Earth and was not satisfied with his creation, since everything seemed quiet and lonely. So, Lord Brahma sprinkled water from his Kamandal and Goddess Saraswati appeared. Lord Brahma requested the Goddess to play her Veena. As she played the instrument, all the living beings got their voice and music. The water started flowing with loud voice, air got its relaxing voice and every thing was blessed with a voice. That is why we worship Goddess Saraswati on this day to celebrate her first appearance on Earth and blessing us with voice, music, speech, knowledge etc.
- Basant Panchami also marks the start of prepration for Holi festival, which is celebrated forty days later.
How to celebrate Basant Panchami
- People wear yellow clothes on Basant Panchami to celebrate the ripening of yellow colored mustard crop. Also yellow color is said to be the color of Saraswati Maa.
- The food created on this day is of yellow color such as Khichadi, yellow rice (created by adding saffron to normal rice) etc.
- Saraswati Maa is worshipped and yellow colored saree is worn by the goddess in temples and homes.
- Kite flying is done people in various parts of the country such as Punjab.
- Newly wed couples visit the temples to take the Goddess’ blessings.
- Families encourage small children to start writing their first words on this day, seeking blessing from the Goddess of knowledge and education.
- Basant Panchami is a very auspicious day to begin new work or starting something important.
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