Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival marking the preparation for the arrival of spring and the end of winter, also widely known as Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja. Goddess Saraswati is honored and worshipped on this day. The way of celebration differs across regions but honoring Goddess Saraswati, the association of the yellow color, and the celebration of welcoming the spring remains the same. Vasant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Hindu calendar month Magha which falls between/around January and February in the Georgian calendar. Thus explaining the name Vasant - which means 'Spring' and Panchami - which means 'Fifth'.
Spring is called 'the king of all seasons' because it brings warmth after the cold winter. Vasant Panchami is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures. The festival is often widely observed by indulging in activities like flying kites and preparing feasts where foods include saffron strands, milk, and white sesame seeds. Zarda rice, Kesar halwa, Kesar kheer, and Dhokla are a few of the dishes consumed on this day. Special pujas are conducted in homes. The color 'Yellow' and 'White' is widely worn and used in celebrations. Mustard and marigold flowers are offered to Goddess Saraswati during the puja. Yellow is believed to be Goddess Saraswati's favorite color, also yellow symbolizes spring and vibrant nature. Pujas are offered wearing yellow or mustard-colored clothes.
Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of intellect, knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, and learning. Thus a major event called 'Vidhya Arambha' the ritual of introducing young children to education is carried out. Other traditions associated with education include inaugurating Hindu educational institutions and conducting special pujas at schools/colleges. Another important event is Pitru Tarpan where people pay homage to their ancestors/deceased with food and water offerings.
Let us make a vow to fill our thoughts with goodness & positivity and let this auspicious day bring the freshness of spring and success.
Team Crazy Creatives wish a very Happy Basant Panchami to all those who are celebrating this festival.
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Quantum-Dot | Life_Is_Dutiful | Yuvika_15
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