Vasant Panchmi is the most sought after occasions in the Indian context. To begin with, it indicates to the onset of spring season. Vasant Panchami is an auspicious day. The festival which is celebrated across the country also marks the beginning of Saraswati Puja. The pooja is also known by many names in different locations. It is also known as Sufi Basant and Basant Festival of Kites in Punjab and Haryana.
The occasion holds importance as it is considered to be one of the auspicious days. People start their new work or house warming ceremony or anything new on this day. The festival falls on the fifth day of lunar month of Magha. In 2017, Vasant Panchami is being celebrated on February 1. The Panchami tithi begins at 3.41 am and ends at 2.2o pm in the afternoon.
As far as the pooja is concerned, the muhurat is slated to be between 7.13 am in the morning and 12.34 pm in the afternoon. On this day, people ensure to pray to goddess Saraswati in temples. Goddess Saraswati is known as the deity of arts, science, knowledge, technology and music. People also recite Saraswati shloka, Ya Kundendu to start the day. One of the important hallmarks of the festival is the kite flying festival that is most sought after activity on this day.
Vasant Panchami has a particular meaning attached to it. While Vasant means ‘spring’, Panchami means ‘fifth day’.
People wear yellow to symbolise the day. The festival is also known for Basant Festival of Kites. It is believed and said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab introduced the tradition of kite flying on Basant. Every year, children and youngsters ensure to keep up with the tradition as they buy thread (dor) and kites (patang). Here’s wishing everyone a happy, prosperous and cheerful Vasant Panchami. May the year remains fruitful for all!
