As winter begins to recede, the festival of Basant Panchami brings hope, joy, colour, and optimism to the home. It is the beginning of many new things, the beginning of education and spiritual growth, and is observed with great pomp throughout India. When celebrated with devotion, this festival is said to bring wisdom, wealth and fortune to the celebrants.
Significance of Basant Panchami
The celebration of Basant Panchami represents both the new season of Spring and the importance of the acquisition of knowledge. The Goddess of Knowledge, Music, and Learning, Saraswati, is worshipped on this day to help her devotees eliminate ignorance and to provide clarity and creativity.
Saraswati Puja – The Central Act of the Festival
The most important act of the festival is the observation of Saraswati Puja. Devotees will place their most cherished books, musical instruments, and relevant study materials in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswati. This is done with the expectation that Goddess Saraswati will bless them with success in their pursuit of both education and the arts. Many students will start their new educational journey on the day of Basant Panchami.
Yellow Takes Centre Stage
The colour yellow is associated with energy, optimism, and the abundance of wealth. Many people wear yellow clothing, use yellow-marigold decoration, and eat yellow food, such as kesari halwa or khichdi, in an effort to bring about positive energy and good fortune.
Auspicious Rituals to Observe
Awake early in the day, take a cleansing bath, light a diya (lamp), recite mantras to Saraswati God & refrain from negative speech; some will even begin new ventures on this day.
Modern Forms of Celebration
Despite busy lifestyles making it difficult to devote time to celebration, people still meditate, donate books, teach children, and express gratitude for knowledge gained & personal growth.
Takeaway from Basant Panchami
While Basant Panchami can be seen as a celebration, it also serves as an opportunity to embrace and welcome new life and growth through positive thinking. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the Goddess of Intelligence and Creativity and to incorporate rituals into our daily lives so we can create an atmosphere of peace, success, prosperity, happiness and health as spring comes back.
Read Also: Inside Hiran Chatterjee’s Second Marriage: Meet Ritika Giri, The Stunning Model and Fitness Influencer
