On this day, you will find women clad in traditional yellow saris offering flowers, children participating in programs and families sharing prasad.
Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami is an auspicious festival of the Hindus which is celebrated to mark the preparation for the arrival of spring. The festival is celebrated across India on the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the Hindu month of Magha, Shukla Paksha. It is also called Sri Panchami in the South and is dedicated to Saraswati, who is considered as the Goddess of knowledge, music, learning and arts.
On this day, you will find women clad in traditional yellow saris offering flowers, children participating in cultural programs and families sharing prasad.
Clay idols of the goddess with a crescent moon on the brow, riding a swan or seated on a lotus flower with flowers, fruits, and sweets placed as offerings before it can be seen in various Puja Pandal. Customary khichdi (a mixture of rice and lentils) is the traditional prasad for Saraswati Puja.
1. Date and time of Saraswati Puja
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Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami will be observed on February 16, 2021. The Panchami Tithi shall start at 3.36 am on February 16 and will continue till 5.46 am on February 17. It is said that the best time to do the puja is in the afternoon but the entire day is considered as being auspicious.
2. This year, you should observe the following timings
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Vasant Panchami Muhurat: February 16 at 06:59 am to 12:35 pm
Vasant Panchami Madhyahna: 12:35 pm
Start of Panchami Tithi: February 16 at 03:36 am
End of Panchami Tithi: February 17 at 05:46 am
3. History
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Hindus believe that Lord Brahma created the universe and he wanted to see the universe with his own eyes. That's why Lord Brahma started a journey but he was left disappointed to see the complete silence and loneliness of everyone on planet Earth.
Lord Brahma then he took some water in his Kamandal and sprinkled it in air. After that an angel with a harp appeared from a tree Lord Brahma requested the angel to play something so that the Earth was not silent. That angel came to be known as Saraswati or Veena Vadini (harp player).
4. Significance of Basant Panchami
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Spring is considered by many as the ‘King of all seasons’ and springtime is considered auspicious to start new work. Hindus believe that Saraswati was born on this day and that's why it is also referred to as Saraswati Jayanti.
