The celebration of Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring in India. It is also referred to as Saraswati Puja and is held in honour of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and art. The festival falls on the fifth day of Magha month (Shukla Paksha), which usually falls in late January or early February.
Hinduism places an great amount of cultural significance on the celebration since it signals the end of winter and the start of the flowering season. People worship Goddess Saraswati by dressing in yellow and presenting her with yellow flowers and sweets. The colour yellow is reputed to represent prosperity, wisdom and optimism. The event is celebrated with great fervour and excitement.
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See also: Significance and rituals of Sandhi puja
Basant Panchami: Significance of the colour yellow
During Basant Panchami, the colour yellow, which represents pleasure and sunlight, is regarded highly significant among Indians. It stands for the approach of spring, fresh starts and optimism. During the celebrations, the vivid colour is present everywhere, including in the food, decorations and apparel.
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Yellow is additionally linked with the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, who is symbolic of wisdom and knowledge, and yellow is her favourite colour. Therefore, in order to get her blessings and guidance, people dress in yellow and offer yellow flowers to the deity.
Basant Panchami: Celebration
Worshipping Goddess Saraswati is one of this festival’s most prominent ceremonies. Prayers are offered and devotees wish for the deity’s blessings to succeed in their academic and artistic aspirations.
The goddess is dressed in yellow and embroidered with yellow flowers, which stand for the coming of spring and fresh starts. People wear yellow clothing and use yellow flowers to beautify their homes. To achieve success in the associated sector, many individuals worship items such as books, pens, musical instruments and laptops that are linked to knowledge and music.
Kite flying is another well-known Basant Panchami custom. All ages of people congregate in open areas and on rooftops to fly and compete with colourful kites. Participants strive to slash each other’s kites with their own while the sky is ablaze with colour and applause. It is an enjoyable and thrilling event that strengthens relationships and promotes a feeling of community.
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Basant Panchami: Rituals
- The rituals begin with the aarti of Lord Ganesha to ensure success and good fortune, which is followed by Kalash Sthapana and the worship of Goddess Saraswati. The Goddess is worshipped by either Panchopachar Vidhi, which includes worship with five items comprising of rice, flowers, incense, food and lamp or Shodshopachar Vidhi, which includes worship with sixteen rituals.
- Devotees wake up early and dress up in yellow, saffron or white clothes before settling Goddess Saraswati’s idol or picture at the desired venue. A beautiful rangoli is made in front of the paat, the venue is decorated with flowers, and an ॐ (OM) symbol is made near the idol with yellow rice.
- Mantras dedicated to Goddess Saraswati are chanted, and the Goddess is offered white flowers, sandalwood and white clothes. The idol or the picture of Goddess Saraswati is bathed before offering vermillion and some items for Shringaar (makeup), Mango Manjari (Aam Ki Manjari) and garlands made out of flowers during the worship and aarti is performed while Om Shrim Hrim Saraswatyai Namah is chanted as a part of the worship to enhance intelligence and speech.
- Finally, yellow sweets and dishes are offered as Bhog, and Goddess Saraswati Kavach is recited. For students and musicians, it is beneficial to worship their equipment and instruments to seek success in their respective fields.
FAQs
What does Basant Panchami signify?
Basant Panchami is held to signal the start of spring.
Which colour is associated with Basant Panchami?
The vibrant colour Yellow is associated with the festival.
How does flying kites relate to Basant Panchami?
During Basant Panchami, flying kites is a common practice since it is said to bring good luck and is seen as a sign of pleasure and freedom.
Why is Saraswati Puja performed on Basant Panchami?
On Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja is conducted to seek Goddess Saraswati's blessings for knowledge, wisdom and academic achievement.
What is the date for Basant Panchami 2024?
Basant Panchami will be observed on February 14, 2024.
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