Basant is a Hindi word which literally means ‘spring’. The word Panchami means fifth. Thus, the most famous spring festival of India, Basant Panchami implies the commencement of spring season which falls on the fifth day of the Magh month as per the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of the winter season and celebrates the onset of the spring season across the country and therefore falls between the months of January and February. This year the festival of Basant Panchami will be celebrated on the 4th February, 2014.
It is believed that this day is the birth anniversary of the deity of wisdom, learning and education, Goddess Saraswati. Thus, people across the country worship the Goddess of knowledge and seek her blessings. Children place their books and basic stationary material like pens, pencils etc. at the feet of Goddess Saraswati’s idol. This day is considered extremely auspicious especially for those children who want to commence their academic career.
Basant Panchami has a striking association with the colour of sanctity, the colour yellow. Moreover, the yellow colour denotes the colour of the fully grown spring crops in the fields of Punjab. The mustard seeds are ripened and ready to be cropped. The traditional celebrations on this day primarily include dressing up Goddess Saraswati’s idol in yellow clothes. Since it is considered to be highly auspicious to dress up in clothes having shades of yellow, the worshippers adorn yellow coloured clothes as well. Besides this, yellow coloured flowers are offered while praying to the Goddess. The festive mood is incomplete without preparing special delicacies like kesar halwa and sweet rice which are made using saffron and yellow colour. Besides this, kite flying is also associated to this festival.
Tips to celebrate Basant Panchami
• Tell your children about the transition that takes place in the weather, resulting in the onset of a new season namely; spring.
• Tell them about the significance of worshipping Goddess Saraswati and its association with education and learning.
• Dress up your children in traditional clothes specifically of yellow colour.
• Together with your children visit the temple and offer the prayers and yellow flowers to the almighty.
• Involve your children in Saraswati Puja arrangements and teach them the Saraswati Vandana.
• Tell them to place their books and stationary materials at Goddess Saraswati’s feet. After conducting the puja, tell your children to use those stationary items and notebooks.
• Involve your children in decorating kites and organise a kite flying competition in your locality.
• Prepare special delicacies such as kesar halwa, besan laddu, sweet rice etc. and invite your relatives and friends to celebrate the festival together.
So, celebrate this upcoming festival with zeal and enthusiasm and let your children know about the significance of this auspicious spring festival.
