The Joy of Vasant Panchami

There is an interesting story behind the reason for celebration of Vasant Panchami. As per a popular belief, goddess Saraswati, who is said to be the deity of knowledge, learning, education, music art and culture, was born on this day and people worship her on this day to achieve wisdom.

Educational Institutions also have  big celebrations ceremonies, with students offering yellow flowers to Goddess Saraswati and put a yellow tilak on their forehead followed by various programs of song and dance. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day, the ritual is also known as Akshar Abhyasam.

The day also marks the beginning of ‘Basant Ritu’ or ‘Vasant Ritu’ i.e. the Spring season. Spring means pleasant weather, free from the cold bites or dodgy rains. New leaves and blossoms appear in the trees with the promise of new life and hope. Therefore Spring is crowned as the king of all seasons. The color of Vasant (Spring) is yellow, also known as the 'Basanti' colour which is Goddess Saraswati’s favourite colour. It symbolizes prosperity, light, energy and optimism. The mustard crop which blooms in this season also has a yellow colour.

In Bihar,and Bengal people celebrate Saraswati Puja by offering delicacies like Kheer, Malpua and Boondi to the Goddess. In the Punjab region, it is celebrated as the festival of kites, and people savour Meete Chawal, Maake ki Roti and Sarso Ka Saag. In Uttar Pradesh, devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna with offering of kesari bhaat. In the Northern part of India, and Nepal, the day is also known as Vivah Panchami since it celebrates the divine marriage of Sri Rama and  Goddess Sita. As it is considered as one of the most auspicious days and many marriages are solemnized on this day.