VASANT PANCHAMI
Vasant Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja, Shree Panchami, or the Basant Festival of Kites is a Hindu festival held on the fifth day of Magha (usually early February).
The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
On this day Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art and culture.
Significance of Vasant Panchami
- It is the day when children are taught their first word, marking it the beginning of their learning process
- It is also said that if children worship deity Saraswati, they will be blessed with knowledge, art and wisdom
- The day is considered auspicious to perform Pitra-Tarpan, a ritual performed for traditional ancestral worship
- It is considered auspicious to wear yellow and prepare food and sweets that are yellow in colour on this day. As the colour indicates the ripening of fruits and crops
- Worshiping Saraswati helps to fight challenges with wisdom, adaptability and light
The colour yellow is strongly associated with Vasant Panchami. Like Markar Sankranti, Kite flying is a popular custom associated with this festival. Flying kites on this day signifies freedom and enjoyment.