Vasant Panchami 2024: Significance, Saraswati Puja and Celebrations!
Vasant Panchami is a festival celebrated in India during January or February. It marks the start of spring, which is known as the “king of all seasons.” During this time, the weather gets warmer after the winter. The festival is on the fifth day of the Hindu lunar month called Magha.
This year, the Basant Panchami festival will be celebrated on February 14th. The Panchami Tithi will begin at 2:41 p.m. on February 13th and end at 12:09 p.m. on February 14th. Let us tell you more about it.
Significance of Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is traditionally considered the ideal day for weddings, with thousands tying the knot annually. The changing season brings shifts in health, making worship of Lord Dhanvantari on this day auspicious for well-being.
In spring, mustard plants bloom with bright yellow flowers. This yellow colour is special because it represents knowledge, light, energy, prosperity, and peace.
As per astrological beliefs, it’s also seen as an auspicious time for purchasing new items, investing, and commencing new endeavours.
Saraswati Puja
Vasant Panchami is the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. Therefore, the day of Vasant Panchami is also called Saraswati Jayanti. It’s believed that she blessed the famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa during the 4th or 5th century CE.
According to mythology, there was a brilliant princess named Vidyottama who wanted to marry someone smarter than her. Some scholars, who thought she was too proud, decided to trick her by presenting a simple man named Kalidasa as a wise sage. They convinced her to marry him, but when she realised he wasn’t as knowledgeable as she thought, she kicked him out. Feeling ashamed, Kalidasa wanted to end his life, but Saraswati stopped him and told him to take a bath in the river. When he came out, he was incredibly smart and wise, and he became a famous poet.
Let us tell you about the celebrations observed for Vasant Panchami throughout India.
Vasant Panchami Celebrations
On the day of Vasant Panchami, several rituals and activities are observed:
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Saraswati Puja is performed at home and is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
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People fly kites as a traditional activity during this festival.
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In eastern Indian states, there is a custom of making clay idols for puja. for students, it is a very special occasion.
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Wearing white and yellow attire is customary; it represents purity and prosperity.
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Offerings of mustard and marigold flowers are made to Goddess Saraswati.
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Vidya Arambha ceremonies are performed for children, marking the beginning of their education.
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Saraswati Puja is also held in schools and colleges, seeking blessings for academic success.
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It’s considered auspicious to start new ventures, especially when inaugurating educational institutes and colleges.
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Pitri Tarpan rituals are performed to honour deceased family members.
Regional Celebrations
Vasant Panchami, celebrated in various regions, holds distinct traditions:
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In Brij, it marks the start of Holi festivities, with temples adorned in yellow flowers and idols dressed in yellow attire.
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In eastern Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Eastern UP and Assam, Tripura Saraswati Puja is observed, with students wearing traditional attire and offering prayers with educational items.
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Pushpanjali is offered to Goddess Saraswati, followed by celebrations and music played on gramophones.
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In Nepal too, people observe Saraswati Puja.
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Naivedhya offerings include fruits like Kul (ber), distributed among devotees.
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Hate Khori (learning the Bengali alphabet) and idol immersion in water bodies are also performed as part of traditions.
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In Punjab and Haryana, Basant Panchami is celebrated with kite flying, marking the arrival of spring.
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Vasant Panchami, or Basant Panchami, is one of the most auspicious days in Sanatan Hindu Calendar. On this day, people choose to begin many important tasks. Many people shift to their new house after griha pravesh; many people start their new business; many others start the construction of their new house; many buy vehicles and engage in many more activities. It is believed that starting anything on this day will bring positive results.
For more insights into Sanatan Hindu festivals, rituals and significance, you can consult our astrologers and pandits at NamoAstro.
