Wondering how India welcomes spring? Basant Panchmi is a big festival in India, marking the start of spring. It's also a day to honour Goddess Saraswati, who represents wisdom, art, and learning. People celebrate this day with joy and devotion. They wear yellow clothes, symbolising the mustard fields in Haryana and Punjab. It's a special day for young children, who often write their first words as part of the Saraswati Puja.
Basant Panchmi has a rich history and is celebrated around January or February. It's not just about wearing yellow; there are cultural events, music, and feasting. Schools and colleges organise special prayers for Saraswati. People also fly kites and enjoy traditional sweets. It's a time for learning and celebrating the arts. Keep scrolling down to learn more!
History of Basant Panchmi
Although there are lots of stories about Basant Panchmi and why it is celebrated, one story that finds a lot of credence is about Kalidasa, the famos poet. As the legend goes, when Kalidasa was spurned by his wife, he decided to put an end to his misery and commit suicide. He decided to jump in a river and end his life by drowning. As he was about to jump, Goddess Saraswati emerged from the river and blessed him with immense wisdom. He went on to become a famous poet.
Significance of Basant Panchmi
India is a country that symbolizes culture, peace, and a bond of togetherness among its citizens and this has been the Indian way of living since ancient times. Our cultural values and age-old traditions have been proof of that. And apart from these traditions, and age-old rituals, ours is also a country where festivals celebrate the glory of nature, one such Indian festival being Basant Panchami.
Celebrated as Sri Panchami in southern states (where Sri refers to one aspect of divinity), Saraswati Puja in eastern regions, and Basant Panchami in Northern parts of the country, this festival is all about celebrating the beginning of the spring season. Basant Panchami aka Vasant Panchami is an Indian festival that, according to the Hindu calendar, falls on the fifth day of Magha mass (month). With the onset of Basant Panchami, people also start their preparations for the festival of Holi which comes after 40 days of Vasant Panchami's celebrations.
Depending upon the region, people tend to celebrate Basant Panchami in various ways. For instance, several Hindus honor Goddess Saraswati on this pious occasion who is considered as the creative energy and power in its raw form. According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Saraswati - the symbol of craft, learning, knowledge, and art was born on this very day. This is the reason why at several places Goddess Saraswati is worshiped.
Basant Panchmi 2024 Date in India
Basant Panchmi is celebrated on the fifth day of Magh month as per Hindu calendar and as such its date keep varying every year. Basant Panchmi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and joy and the whole country witnesses special celebrations. Kite flying is a special attraction this day signifying joy to mark the arrival of the Spring season. People wear yellow clothes, cook special dishes, exchange sweets, and decorate their homes with yellow colour.
Basant Panchami Celebrations in India
Basant Panchmi, the festival of wisdom and knowledge is celebrated with a lot of exuberance all over the country, gearing up for special celebrations. The markets, homes, and institutions are decked up in yellow and the azure sky is peppered with colourful kites. Here are some of the major attractions of the festival in different parts of the country.
1. Basant Panchami Celebrations in Punjab and Haryana
In Punjab and Haryana, people celebrate the spirit of this festival by flying kites. In households, the womenfolk prepare delicious delicacies like Meethe Chawal, Makki ki roti, and Sarso ka saag.
How to reach Punjab and Haryana
- Major City. Chandigarh
- Major Airport. Chandigarh Airport
- Major Railbase. Ludhiana Junction
2. Basant Panchami Celebrations in West Bengal
In Bengal, the people observe Saraswati Puja. On this day, it is the children, who arrange and do all the preparations for the puja rituals. Once the puja is done, they go out to enjoy themselves with their families. Even the schools, colleges, and other institutions celebrate the festival by conducting Saraswati Puja. The womenfolk usually wear yellow sarees whereas the men don yellow dhotis, and pajamas. Along with this, the people also prepare various delicacies and sweets like rajbhog and payesh.
How to reach West Bengal
- Major City. Kolkata
- Major Airport. Kolkata International Airport
- Major Railbase. Kolkata Railway Station
3. Basant Panchami Celebrations in Odisha
On the occasion of Basant Panchami in Odisha, people offer fresh yellow-colored flowers to Goddess Saraswati in temples.
How to reach Odisha
- Major City. Bhubaneswar
- Major Airport. Biju Patnaik Airport
- Major Railbase. Bhubaneswar Railway Station
4. Basant Panchami Celebrations in Assam
In Assam, the rituals and traditions associated with Basant Panchami are conducted in the morning hours. People usually get up early and do all the cleaning work and other household chores, especially cleaning the shrine area of their homes. After all the cleaning work is done, people wear new clothes and gather together to pray.
How to reach Assam
- Major City. Dispur
- Major Airport. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- Major Railbase. Dispur Railway Station
Conclusion
Basant Panchmi is a festival full of colour, culture, and learning. It brings communities together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the goddess of knowledge. This festival is a beautiful blend of tradition and joy, making it a significant event in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Basant Panchami 2024
Ques 1. Why is Basant Panchmi celebrated?
Ans 1. Basant or Vasant Panchmi is one of the prominent Indian festivals that celebrates the advent of Spring Season. This festival is also celebrated as Saraswati Puja, an ode to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge or gyan, art, and culture.
Ques 2. When is Basant Panchmi celebrated?
Ans 2. Basant Panchmi is celebrated on the fifth day of Magh month as per Hindu calendar and as such its date keep varying every year.
Ques 3. Where is Basant Panchami celebrated in India?
Ans3. Basant Panchami is celebrated primarily in North India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. It is also celebrated in other parts of India, including Maharashtra and West Bengal. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated by praying to the goddess of learning, Saraswathi.
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Maharashtra
- West Bengal
Ques 4. What are the traditional dishes prepared during Basant Panchami?
Ans 4. Basant Panchami is celebrated with delicious food. One of the traditional dishes prepared on this day is "Saffron Rice," which is known for its vibrant yellow colour, symbolising the arrival of spring. Other sweets and snacks like Kesari (a type of semolina dessert), Malpua (sweet pancakes), and Til Ladoo (sesame seed sweets) are also enjoyed during this festival.
Ques 5. Are there any specific rituals performed on Basant Panchami?
Ans 5. Yes, there are specific rituals performed on Basant Panchami. People wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear yellow clothes, as it is considered auspicious. Saraswati Puja is a major ritual where books, musical instruments, and art tools are placed in front of the goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings for knowledge and creativity.
