Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a significant festival celebrated in various states of India, dedicated to worshipping the Goddess Saraswati. This year, the Basant Panchami festival falls on February 14, marking a day of reverence and festivity.
Saraswati Puja in Schools and Colleges
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja is organized with fervor in schools and colleges across the country. Students and teachers come together to pay homage to Goddess Saraswati, seeking her blessings for knowledge, education, and wisdom.
The Goddess of Knowledge and Learning
In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is revered as the goddess of knowledge, education, and information. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Goddess Saraswati with sincerity and devotion can enlighten the path of learning and wisdom.
Dispelling Lethargy and Embracing Artistry
It is believed that worshipping Goddess Saraswati on Basant Panchami can dispel lethargy and instill a sense of enthusiasm and dedication. Many believe that this auspicious day provides an opportunity to explore various art forms with renewed vigor and passion.
Key Details about Basant Panchami
Date and Time:
Basant Panchami is celebrated on the first day of spring, which corresponds to the fifth day of the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar. This festival also signifies the beginning of preparations for Holi, which commences 40 days after Basant Panchami.
Observance in 2024:
According to the Hindu calendar Drik Panchang, Basant Panchami will be observed on February 14, 2024. The Panchami Tithi, or the fifth day of the lunar fortnight, begins at 14:41 p.m. on February 13, 2024, and concludes at 12:09 p.m. on February 14, 2024.
Rituals of Basant Panchami
Worship of Goddess Saraswati
On Basant Panchami, devotees partake in various rituals to honor Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. The day begins with devotees waking up early, taking a purifying bath, and adorning idols of Goddess Saraswati with fragrant flowers and garlands. They offer prayers to the goddess and recite the Saraswati mantra, seeking her blessings for intellect and learning.
Observance of Fasting
Some devotees choose to observe a fast on Basant Panchami as a mark of reverence and devotion. Fasting is considered a way to purify the body and mind, allowing devotees to connect more deeply with the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Attire in Yellow
Yellow holds special significance on Basant Panchami, symbolizing the vibrancy of spring and the blossoming of nature. Devotees traditionally wear yellow-colored clothes on this auspicious day, signifying prosperity, vitality, and enlightenment.
Seeking Blessings for Education
Students, in particular, engage in special rituals to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for academic success. They place their books, pens, and other educational instruments before the idol of Saraswati, seeking divine guidance and inspiration for their studies.
Akshar-Abhyasam Ritual
One of the prominent rituals observed during Basant Panchami is Akshar-Abhyasam, also known as Vidya-Arambham or Praasana. This ritual marks the initiation of education for young children. Parents or teachers guide children in writing their first alphabets or verses, symbolizing the commencement of their educational journey under the auspices of Goddess Saraswati.
As devotees partake in these rituals with devotion and reverence, Basant Panchami becomes a day of spiritual significance and educational fervor, ushering in blessings and prosperity for all.
As Basant Panchami approaches, devotees eagerly await the opportunity to seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati and embrace the arrival of spring with joy and enthusiasm.