How is Basant Panchami Celebrated?

How is Basant Panchami Celebration? Vasant / Basant Panchami means Saraswati Puja is one of the festivals of Hindus which they celebrate all over the World religiously. People worship the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of Learning at Basant Panchami. Vasant / Basant means ‘Spring’ and Panchami means ‘the fifth day’ and thus Basant Panchami has its own significance. The festival is celebrated either in the month of January or in the month of February means in the month of Magh.

Basant Panchami Celebration:

There are so many names of Goddess Saraswati like – Bakdevi, Biraj, Brahmi, Bagiswari, Mahasweta, Prithudar, Sarada, Satarupa, Sarbasukia. Saraswati Pooja is celebrated in so many states of India but in West Bengal it is celebrated in a splendid manner. After West Bengal this festival is celebrated in Southern States of India i.e, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh etc. Basant Panchami festival is mainly celebrated by the Youth, particularly Students who pray to the goddess for success in Learning, Arts and Crafts.

Yellow color is a sign of Prosperity. Yellow color or various shades of yellow has a special importance in Basant Panchami and hence people are seen dressed in yellow color on the day of the festival. Young girls dressed in yellow saris magnify the splendor of nature and a young crowd is seen enjoying and merry making. Even sweets are made yellow in color by using saffron. Students are free from studies and their routine work and have fun and enjoyment during the whole day of the festival. Kite flying is another way to celebrate the day. Brahmans are also fed by people on the day of the festival and people also worship their ancestors on this auspicious day. This way people celebrate Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami festival with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Significance of Colour Yellow:

The festival that marks the onset of spring is celebrated with many motifs characteristic to spring. The color of Basant (Spring) is yellow this is the reason why people wear yellow clothes and make traditional delicacies in yellow hues.

Indians across the country are celebrating Basant Panchami today. The word ‘Basant’ means spring and ‘Panchmi’ denotes the fifth day of the “Maagh” month of Hindu calendar. Basant Panchami is also celebrated as ‘Saraswati Puja‘ in many communities. It is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across the country. Children are introduced to reading and writing on this auspicious day. It is considered as a blessed beginning of learning with the goddess of knowledge and wisdom – Saraswati. The festival that marks the onset of spring is celebrated with many motifs characteristic to spring. People deck up in colorful clothes and relish in seasonal foods. Many communities fly kites and play various games. The colour yellow holds a deep significance in the festival. The color of Basant (Spring) is yellow, also known as the ‘Basanti’ colour. It symbolizes prosperity, light, energy and optimism. This is the reason why people wear yellow clothes and make traditional delicacies in yellow hues. The traditional delicacies that are prepared on this auspicious occasion are quite delicious and healthy as well.