Introduction

Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of Spring Season in India. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati who is the deity of wisdom, learning, music and art. The worshipping of Goddess Saraswati is considered to be providing intellectual power and wisdom for the people. It is observed on the fifth day of Magh month in the Hindu calendar that falls in the month of February every year. The other names of Vasant Panchami are Shree Panchami. It is also referred as Saraswati Puja in Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.

Significance of Saraswati

Godess Sarawati is the Wife of Lord Brahma; one of the Supreme Gods among the Trinity. She is depicted to be sitting on white Swan with four hands holding a lotus, four Vedas, Vena and one hand bestowing blessings to the devotees. She is the deity of wisdom, learning, music and art. The worship of Saraswati is much popular among the students as she is expected to bestow wisdom to her devotees.

Rituals and Customs

On the day of Vasant Panchami, the idol of Goddess Saraswati is enshrined and being worshipped with full enthusiasm and gaiety. Devotees are dressed in traditional clothes like Dhoti and Saree especially in yellow color. Musicians sing and display their talent in front of the Goddess. Notebooks, books and pencils are kept along with other offerings in front of the Goddess. An elaborate pooja is performed with the hymns in the praise of Saraswati. Bhajan, Aarti and Kirtan are organized on this day. After the Pooja is complete Visharjan of the Devi Saraswati is done. On the next day the idol of Saraswati is immersed in the water with hundreds of devotees singing and dancing in the praise of the Goddess. There is also tradition of organizing cultural activities on this day where artist of all types display their talent.