Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami is a very popular Hindu festival, which is also known by the name of “Shri Panchami”. Every year, this Hindu festival falls on the fifth day of the month of Magh (February or March), according to the Hindu calendar. This year, the festival of Basant Panchmi will be celebrated on 15th February. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and also marks the on-set of the spring season.
Story
There are various stories associated with the celebrations of Basant Panchami. One of the most popular legends is that of Goddess Saraswati. It is believed that, on this day, Goddess Saraswati originated from the Himalayas in the form a river.
Another legend is that of poet Kalidasa. It is believed that there was a beautiful & learned princess who rejected all the men who did not match her intelligence. This angered all the pandits and they decided to marry her with a fool. So, they presented Kalidasa as a man of wisdom, before the princess. Finally, the two got married, but on the wedding night, the princess realised that she had been tricked. She banished Kalidasa from their house, who in shame & sorrow, went to commit suicide. Goddess Saraswati emerged from the river and asked Kalidasa to take a dip in the river. As he emerged from the river, he became knowledgeable and began to write poetry.
Traditional Celebrations
The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated primarily in the northern states of India. The traditional celebrations in each state vary widely. On this day, people worship Goddess Saraswati in various forms and offer sweets to the Goddess, which is then distributed as ‘prasad’ to all the people attending the puja ceremony. Since the yellow flowers of mustard crop covers the fields during this season, the yellow colour holds a special significance on this day. People get dressed up in diverse shades of yellow; they offer yellow flowers to the Goddess and prepare yellow sweets like kesar halwa, bundi laddoo etc. Kite flying is also observed in some Northern states.
How to celebrate Basant Panchami at home?
The festival is celebrated with immense joy & enthusiasm by the Hindus. You too can celebrate Basant Panchami at home. Here are some tips for you to celebrate this auspicious festival with your child:
- Dress up yourself and your child in yellow coloured clothes.
- Involve your child in preparing traditional dishes like kesar halwa.
- Indulge your child in preparing crafts like kites.
- Organise Saraswati Puja at your place. Along with your child, adorn the Goddess with yellow flowers.
- Teach your child to recite the Saraswati Vandana.
- Encourage your child to donate her old books to the poor.
So, follow these simple tips and celebrate this day with full fervour and dedication.
