What is Basant Panchami?

Basant Panchami is a very special day across India.

A day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami is celebrated in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar.

On Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja is very popular among students, professionals, artists, and musicians. Basant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami as well as Saraswati Puja  in West Bengal and Assam.
Saraswati Puja is also done during the Sharad Navratri, in some of the southern
states.
Festivals in India are all about harmony and togetherness, in fact, the fun of the
occasion is simply incomplete without good food and happiness.

As per the Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma is believed to have created the universe on this day.
Apart from that, the reason for the celebration of Saraswati Puja in some parts of
the country is because it was believed that on this day Goddess Durga gave birth to
Goddess Saraswati.

The significance of the occasion is huge in Hindu culture, as the day is considered extremely auspicious to start new work, get married or perform house warming ceremony (Grah Pravesh).
In many families, a traditional ceremony is held on this day, wherein babies and
children are encouraged to write their first words, and take their first, formal step
into the world of education, arts and culture.

Later, cultural programmes are held and people sing and dance, and make merry.

What is the Significance of Basanth Panchami?

Basant Panchami is known as the symbol of prosperity.

The day is considered as one of the most auspicious days to get married, start a new work or do any good and auspicious deeds. People worship Goddess Saraswati and seek her blessings.

Therefore, the day is celebrated as an ode to her.

Every festival in India has got its own history, rituals, and traditions.

Basant Panchami is one such beautiful festival celebrated in India to mark the arrival of
the Spring season.

This year, Basant Panchami, 2021, is being celebrated on February 16.

In many parts of India, Basant Panchami is celebrated to symbolise that winter is
finally over.

Accordingly, the spring season officially begins 40 days after the date on which the festival falls. The farmers in the country enjoy this day as it marks the beginning of the new season where crops flourish.

The colour yellow is generally associated with this day because it represents the fields covered by mustard plants that give an impression of a bed with beautiful yellow flowers.