Saraswati Puja is celebrated on Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami that marks the beginning of the spring season. Basant means spring and Panchami means “the fifth day”, so Vasant Panchami literally means the fifth day of the spring season. The day is also celebrated as Saraswati Puja and the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Saraswati, is worshipped on this day. Popular in Bengal, Odisha and North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja day is an auspicious one. According to drikpanchang.com, Vasant Panchami Muhurat is 10:45 am to 12:34 pm. The Panchami Tithi Begins at 10:45 am on January 29 and Panchami Tithi Ends at 1:19 pm on January 30, 2020.
On Saraswati Puja, women get ready in bright yellow sarees and men wear traditional kurtas and offer flowers and prasad to the goddess. On this day, children worship Goddess Saraswati, who is the deity of music, culture and learning. The Saraswati Puja is also referred as “no study day” for them. Students place their books, pens and musical instruments beside the idol for the entire day om Saraswati Puja to seek Goddess’ blessings.
Significance of the Colour Yellow
Yellow is considered an auspicious color in Hinduism. However, there is another reason for yellow being the preferred color on Vasant Panchami. The yellow mustard flowers are the first to bloom in the spring season. Another important color that dominates the celebrations is white, the color of purity and virtue. It is also believed to be Goddess Saraswati’s favorite color.
While flying kites and worshiping Goddess Saraswati is quite common during Vasant Panchami, there is a tale that has been obscured by other celebrations over the years, but is significant nonetheless.