Vasant Panchami or the Basant Panchami is also known as Saraswati Puja in some parts of the country, is a festival celebrated on the 5th day of Indian month of Magh. The name ‘Vasant’ means Spring and ‘Panchami’ means the fifth day. On the day of Vasant Panchami, goddess Saraswati is worshipped throughout the temples in India. Goddess Saraswati signifies art, culture, education and learning.

According to some historians, the festival of Vasant Panchami is associated with the early Aryans who came to India through the Hindu Kush mountains and the Khyber Pass and settled around river Saraswati. Thus, the river Saraswati became a significant source of fertility and development for them. Hence, they started the festival of Vasant Panchami associating it with the river Saraswati.

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Moreover, the spring season represents the yellow coloured fields with mustard flowers blooming at this time of the year. Thus, yellow colour denotes a promise of wellness, good harvest and prosperity.

Significance

Vasant Panchami marks the start of the spring season after the harsh winters. The festival holds prime importance in North India. According to religious traditions, Kaam Deva and his wife Rati along with their friend Vasant are honoured on this day. Spring season signifies the start of prosperity, fruitfulness and fertility.

The main deity of this festival – Goddess Saraswati is worshipped to attain excellence in the fields of intellect, wisdom, learning, fine arts and craft. In eastern India, this festival is known as Sri Panchami and in Punjab, it is known as Basant Panchami.

Throughout India and Nepal, various traditions related to Vasant Panchami can be observed. In Nepal, temples are decorated and filled with food and sweets as a part of a tradition and all the worshippers of Goddess Saraswati gather there to cherish the festival and feast on the collected food items.

In India, all classical music and dance institutions are highly decorated and Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day of Vasant Panchami. As Goddess Saraswati is associated with dance and other performing arts, all such institutions arrange special ceremonies on this day. Even, all students and teachers of such institutions are dressed in Yellow and Golden dresses.

As the colour yellow and golden is also the colour of spring and blooming of mustard flowers during these days. People consider it as a sign of good fortune to wear yellow or golden clothes on the day of Vasant Panchami. In parts of Punjab and Haryana, people prepare special Sweet Yellow/Saffron and distribute among others. Other special cuisine prepared on Vasant Panchami includes Kesar Halva which is a special festive dish prepared from different ingredients including Saffron strands. These Saffron strands are responsible for its yellow colour and unique aroma.

Other traditions related to Vasant Panchami includes Pitra Puja (Ancestor Worship), Kite Flying and dance festivals around the country. Effigies of Holika are also created and established on Vasant Panchami, which are lighted on the day of Holi.

Kite Flying competitions in Punjab

Kite flying is also associated with Basant Panchami, every year various kite flying competitions across north India and especially in Punjab are conducted on the day of Basant Panchami.

Different parts of Punjab celebrated Basant Panchami differently – Amritsar has its own Basant Mela where Kite Flying Competitions are held. It is said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh held an annual Basant Mela in which Kite Flying was a regular feature. Though, the most famous Kite Flying competition on Basant Panchami is celebrated in Ferozepur district.

Punjabis generally yellow clothes and visit Lord Shiva Temple in Dhuri, District Sangrur. Traditional fairs are held at different places of Punjab where different varieties of sweets and cuisine are served. Youngsters participate in a Kite Flying competition on Basant Panchami.

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Saraswati Mantra

The famous Saraswati Mantra is recited on the day of Vasant Panchami by the Hindus. This small prayer is also known as the Pranam Mantra.

Om Saraswati Mahabhagaye, Vidyae Kamala Lochanaye |
Vishwarupaye Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namhostutey ||

Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharaye, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haraye |
Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastaye, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namhostutey ||

English Translation –

Hail Goddess Saraswati,
who is white like the jasmine-colored moon,
and her pure garlands are like mystifying dew drops;
she is adorned in vibrant white attire,
and on her arm rests the great veena,
her thrones is the white lotus;
who is revered and respected by the Gods,
Oh great goddess please bless me and rid me of my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.

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