Significance
The day of Basant Panchami is considered as the beginning of life. This day is the day of arrival of happiness. The season of spring is the season of rebirth and renewal. In this season, fields of yellow mustard charm everyone’s heart. Colorful flowers start blooming. The day of Basant Panchami is celebrated as the welcoming of colors and happiness.
This festival represents the arrival of Basant Ritu (spring season). Vasant Panchami also known as Basant Panchami is a festival in honor of Goddess Saraswati, the hindu Goddess of education, learning and the fine arts (music, writing, painting, etc.). On this day Maa Saraswati is worshipped. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning and divine symbol of Vedic knowledge and wisdom. Goddess Saraswati, the one who flows (saras) easily (wati), was created by Lord Brahma and is also known as Vach-Devi – the Goddess of Speech. Vasant Panchami marks the birth of the Goddess and is an opportunity for a new spiritual birth for the seeker.
History
Panchami is celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. This festival is considered to be the festival of King of seasons. Basant Panchami begins from spring season and carries up to Panchami of Krishan Paksha of Falgun Mas. This festival is specially significant for lovers of art and education. According to Basant Panchami story, Lord Brahma created the universe. This festival is celebrated in north India with full glee and delight. As per another Basant Panchami story, this day, God Rama ate half tasted grapes of Mata Shabari. So as to commemorate, the festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated.
According to Basant Panchami story, Lord Brahma was very happy with the creation of the whole world. As a result, he wanted to see the whole world with his own eyes. Therefore, he set out on a journey. When he saw the world, he was disappointed with complete silence. Everyone on planet Earth appeared very lonely. Lord Brahma gave a lot of thought to what he had created.
According to Basant Panchami story, Lord Brahma had an idea. He took some water in his Kamandal and sprinkled it in air. An angel appeared from a tree. The angel had a harp in her hand. Lord Brahma requested her to play something so that everything on Earth was not silent. As a result, the angel started playing some music.
According to Basant Panchami story, the angel blessed the people of the Earth with voice. She also filled this planet with music. Since then, that angel came to be known as Goddess Saraswati, Goddess of speech and knowledge. She is also known as Veena Vadini (harp player). It is believed that Goddess Saraswati provided voice, intelligence, force and glory.
Determination of Date
This is celebrated on the day of Shukla Panchami falling before noon. If Panchami falls or does not fall on two days then it is celebrated on the first day.
How to Celebrate
The color yellow is perhaps the most prominent feature on Vasant Panchami. Yellow colored clothes, foods (like saffron rice), flowers (mustard) and sweets (with kesar) are the traditional norm on this day. Goddess Saraswati is adorned in yellow clothes (at home or at the mandir) as yellow is considered to represent the sattva guna – characteristic of purity, prosperity and love. Kite flying is a very popular tradition observed (particularly in Haryana and Punjab) on Vasant Panchami. Children and adults alike engage in flying small and large kites and various kite-flying competitions are held across roof-tops and in playgrounds all over northern India. It is also a day for art and painting competitions, poetry recitations and music festivals all over India in honor of Goddess Saraswati – the patron of the arts.
For getting the blessings of Goddess Saraswati recite following Mantra 108 times -
"Om Aing Mahasaraswatyai Namah"
According to Puranas, Maharshi Ved Vyas had established the Saraswati temple as its main abode in Andhra Pradesh. Here this goddess is worshipped with great fervor. Everyone should worship Goddess Saraswati for desired knowledge, learning and creativity. On this day children should also be told about the goddess and its importance in their life because one can earn name, fame and wealth with the blessing of Maa Saraswati.
Saraswati poojan is highly recommended to increase their concentration and memory. It also improves intuitive skills and creative bent of mind.
It is best to install Saraswati Yantra in north or east direction of your house or in children’s room. Silver locket of Saraswati Yantra can also be worn but it is better to enerise it by reciting Saraswati Mantra at least 108 times before wearing the same.