In India, festivals are a time for unity and joy, where the spirit of togetherness is truly felt, and no celebration is complete without delicious food and shared happiness.
As spring begins to bloom, it’s time to celebrate Basant Panchami, a festival observed with much enthusiasm across the country.
While it’s primarily celebrated as Saraswati Puja in the eastern regions of India, particularly in West Bengal and Bihar, it has its own unique flavor in other parts. In North India, especially Punjab, the festival is synonymous with kite flying, while in Rajasthan, wearing jasmine garlands is an essential part of the celebration.
According to the Hindu calendar, Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Magha month, marking the arrival of the spring season. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe. In many parts of India, Saraswati Puja is observed on this day because it is said that Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts, was born to Goddess Durga on this auspicious occasion.
Celebrated in Educational Institutions
Basant Panchami is also widely celebrated in educational institutions such as schools and colleges. Goddess Saraswati, revered as the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge, is believed to bless her devotees with learning and intellectual growth. On this day, students and teachers dress in new clothes and offer prayers to the goddess. Various cultural programs, including songs and dances, are organized to her and seek her blessings for academic success and creativity.
History
The history behind Basant Panchami is both fascinating and meaningful. According to a popular belief, the day marks the birth of Goddess Saraswati, the revered deity of knowledge, music, and the arts. Devotees celebrate this day to seek her blessings for wisdom and creativity. As a result, Saraswati Puja is a central tradition of Basant Panchami, with people coming together to her and pray for enlightenment in their studies and artistic pursuits.
The Significance
Basant Panchami holds great importance in Hindu culture. It is regarded as an extremely auspicious day to begin new ventures, get married, or even conduct a housewarming ceremony (griha pravesh). The vibrant energy of the festival, marking the arrival of spring, makes it an ideal time to start fresh endeavors and seek blessings for prosperity and success.
Importance of Yellow Color
Yellow holds special significance during Basant Panchami, symbolizing the harvest season when mustard fields bloom with bright yellow flowers. This vibrant color is also associated with Goddess Saraswati, who is believed to favor yellow. As a result, devotees often wear yellow attire to her. Additionally, traditional feasts prepared for the festival feature dishes that are typically yellow or saffron in color, further reflecting the festive spirit and the goddess’s connection to this hue.
Food Offered
Yellow, the color of Basant Panchami, represents peace, prosperity, light, energy, and optimism. As a result, people wear yellow clothing and prepare traditional dishes in yellow hues to celebrate the occasion. In Bengal and Bihar, devotees offer boondi and ladoos to Goddess Saraswati, along with sweet rice flavored with saffron and garnished with dry fruits.
In Punjab, the festival is marked by enjoying Maake ki Roti and Sarso ka Saag, a beloved traditional combination. In Bihar, the offerings include Kheer, Malpua, and Bundis. As with all Indian festivals, Basant Panchami is celebrated with an array of delicious dishes such as khichuri, mixed vegetables, kesar halwa, kesari bhaat, payesh, begun bhaja, sondesh, and rajbhog, which are served as bhog (sacred offerings) to the goddess.
On Murti Visthapan day, large processions are held as the idols of Goddess Saraswati are immersed in the holy waters of the Ganga with reverence. This day also involves savoring Dahi Chura (yogurt with flattened rice), served with gur (jaggery) and bananas, a customary treat enjoyed in many households.
