Basant Panchami Jaipur

Basant Panchami Jaipur Literally 'the fifth day of spring', Vasanta Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha. The festival itself dates to antiquity. It is reminiscent of the festival of Vasantotsava of the ancient times, which was one of the most important celebrations as it marked the beginning of the agricultural season.

Vasanta Panchami heralds the spring season. It is hence celebrated with gaiety and festivity to mark the end of the winter, which can be quite severe in northern India. The festive color yellow, symbolic of spring, plays an important part of this day. People wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers in worship and put a yellow, turmeric tilak on their forehead. They visit temples and offer prayers to various gods.

It is also known as Sirapanchami in Bihar and Orissa, when the ploughs are worshipped and the land is furrowed after the winter months. In Bengal, the day is celebrated as Saraswati Puja and is marked by the worship of Saraswati.

History of Vasant Panchmi
Vasant Panchami is a significant festival that is celebrated with fervor all across the country. This auspicious day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati who is considered to be the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, arts, and music. This day also marks the end of winters and the arrival of the spring season. There are numerous folk tales associated with the pious day of Vasant Panchmi. According to a popular belief, this day is related to the renowned poet Kalidas. One day he had an argument with his wife and he went on to commit suicide. At that moment, Goddess Saraswati emerged from the holy water and asked him to dive in there. After taking a dive in the water he became knowledgeable and became a great poet. This is the reason, Goddess Saraswati is known as the deity of wisdom and knowledge.

Another myth about Vasant Panchmi states that it has its roots dated back to the Aryan period. Aryans came and settled in India near the banks of the Saraswati river. Most of their development took place near the river. Hence, they started considering Goddess Saraswati as the symbol of knowledge and fertility. After this, they began celebrating Vasant Panchmi to pay gratitude to Saraswati. Vasant Panchmi is now celebrated everywhere in the country but it is predominant in the northern parts of the country. People from different religions celebrate this sacred day with great joy and splendor. People follow different traditions to seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati and to celebrate the onset of the vibrant spring season.

Vasant Panchami Celebrations
Vasant Panchami is an important festival that marks the end of the winter season and the start of the spring season. People across the country celebrate this pious day with joy and vibrancy. The yellow color is considered auspicious on this day hence the houses are decorated with yellow flowers. Women and girls wear yellow dresses and even the sweets that are exchanged and distributed to celebrate the occasion of Vasant Panchmi are all yellow. The special delicacy prepared on this day is called Kesar halwa (a sweet dish with strands of Saffron) and motichoor ladoo. This is because yellow color signifies the blooming mustard flowers and the beautiful nature in the coming season.

Saraswati known as the Goddess of knowledge, is also considered the goddess of music, owing to which Vasant Panchmi is also celebrated with grandeur in every educational institution. Children dress up in yellow attire and organize cultural events with dance and musical performances. An idol of Goddess Saraswati is decorated with yellow saree and children offer yellow flowers to the goddess while chanting prayers. People also keep books, pens, and pencils near the feet of the idol to seek blessings for a good academic year for the children of the house.
In some parts of the country, Vasant Panchmi is also celebrated as a kite festival. With several colorful kites adorning the sky, and delectable sweets this festival brings joy and happiness to people’s life in innumerable ways.