Basant Panchami (बसंत पंचमी) — the name itself hints that Spring has arrived. The auspicious day, which is also known as Vasant Panchami, is celebrated in India on the fifth day of Maagh, according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated this year in parts of India on 16 February 2021. Last year, it was celebrated on 29 January.
'Vasant', or spring, is called the king of all seasons. The arrival of Basant Panchami also signifies the arrival of spring in the region.
Hindus in many parts of the country worship Goddess Saraswati on this special day as the deity of knowledge and wisdom. As per Indian mythology, she was born on the day of Basant Panchami. She is considered an emblem of knowledge. As per the popular belief, worshipping Goddess Saraswati on this auspicious day may bring blessings of wisdom, knowledge and learning.
How is it celebrated?
To observe the day, Hindus wake up in the morning, visit temples or bring clay idols of the goddess to home to offer her fruits alongside flowers, sweets and bhog. People also conduct the Saraswati Vandana to seek the goddess' divine blessings. Even books, pens and notebooks are worshipped in many places.
In West Bengal, people dress up in yellow to take part in the celebration as the colour is considered to be very holy for the occasion. The colour is also known as Basanti — the colour of Basant (Spring). It signifies prosperity, light, energy, and optimism.
In Punjab, Basant Panchami is known as the Festival of Kites.
To wish your family and friends on the Saraswati Puja, we have listed some messages, greetings and picture messages that you can share via WhatsApp or SMS.
- Happy Basant Panchami!
- Shubho Saraswati Puja!
- May Goddess Saraswati Bless you with Knowledge and Wisdom.
- On this auspicious day of Saraswati Puja, may you wear yellow and bloom like mustard fields; Fly kites and soar into the sky like them; Welcome the spring season and shed lethargy; And burn all the evils like Holika's pyre.
- Spring Is In Air, Fresh Blossoms Everywhere. Sending You My Warm Greetings On The Auspicious Occasion Of Basant Panchami!
- May the revered occasion of Basant Panchami, Bring the wealth of knowledge to you, May you be blessed by Goddess Saraswati, and all your wishes come true, Happy Basant Panchami.
- May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-coloured moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops, who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus, who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me, May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.
- May the occasion of Basant Panchami, Bring the wealth of knowledge to you, May you be blessed by Goddess Saraswati, and all your wishes come true.
