Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) 2024: Date, Time And Significance
Vasant Panchami is a Sikh and Hindu holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the old Indian calendar month of Magha. It is also known as Saraswati Puja, Shree Panchami, or the Basant Festival of Kites (usually early February). It is a public holiday in the Indian states of Haryana, Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal.
Vasant Panchami, which means the fifth day (‘Panchami’) of Spring (‘Vasant’), celebrates the end of winter and the start of spring. It takes place 40 days before Holi and symbolises the beginning of the festival’s preparations.
Basant Panchami Timings
The suitable time to worship on the occasion of Vasant Panchami Muhurta 2024 is from 07:01 AM to 12:35 PM.
Panchami Tithi starts – 13 Feb 2024 (02:41 PM)
Panchami date ends – 14 Feb 2024 (12:09 PM )
Traditions of Vasant Panchami
Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, and culture, is honoured on this day by Hindus. According to legend, Lord Brahma created the earth and humanity, but felt it was too calm, so on this day, he sprinkled some water in the air and created Saraswati.
She is also known as the water deity because she was created from water. Saraswati then graced the world with her voice, filling it with wonderful music.
Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, and culture, is honoured on this day by Hindus. According to legend, Lord Brahma created the earth and humanity, but felt it was too calm, so on this day, he sprinkled some water in the air and created Saraswati. Saraswati has four hands, which represent the ego, intellect, attentiveness, and mind, respectively. She is frequently depicted wearing a white garment and seated on a lotus or a peacock.
Basant Panchami Story
A storey about a poet named Kalidasa is a traditional legend related with Vasant Panchami. Kalidasa had married a lovely princess, who promptly kicked him out when she realised he was an idiot.
Kalidasa was about to commit himself when Saraswati appeared from the river and advised him to bathe in the waters. When he did, the water blessed him with wisdom and inspired him to write poetry.
The colour yellow is closely associated with Vasant Panchami, as it represents mustard fields, which are abundant in Punjab and Haryana at this time of year. To mark the start of spring, people wear bright yellow clothes and cook colourful food, with many of the dishes being yellow, such as “meeth chawal,” sweetened rice with saffron flavour.
Kite flying, like Markar Sankranti, is a popular festival tradition, notably in Punjab and Haryana. On this day, flying kites represents freedom and fun.
Saraswati Vandana
The most renowned Stuti devoted to Goddess Saraswati is Saraswati Ya Kundendu, which is part of the famous Saraswati Stotram. On the eve of Vasant Panchami, it is read at Saraswati Puja.
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना॥
या ब्रह्माच्युत शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा॥१॥शुक्लां ब्रह्मविचार सार परमामाद्यां जगद्व्यापिनीं।
वीणा-पुस्तक-धारिणीमभयदां जाड्यान्धकारापहाम्॥
हस्ते स्फटिकमालिकां विदधतीं पद्मासने संस्थिताम्।
वन्दे तां परमेश्वरीं भगवतीं बुद्धिप्रदां शारदाम्॥२॥
Significance of Vasant Panchami
“Vasant” signifies “Spring,” while “Panchami” represents the “fifth day.” As a result, it is observed on the fifth day of spring. This festival signifies the end of the winter season and the arrival of the lively springtime. Devotees pray to Goddess Saraswati on the day of Vasant Panchami, seeking her divine graces in order to attain enlightenment and knowledge. They also request the elimination of lethargy, ignorance, and sluggishness. Numerous astrologers designate Vasant Panchami as “Abhuja” day, which signifies that the entire day is favorable for performing virtuous deeds. Vasant Panchami, a festival of great religious, social, and seasonal importance within Hinduism, is fervently observed with unwavering hopefulness across the majority of the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the time of Basant Panchami?
This year’s Basant Panchami timings are 07:01 AM to 12:35 PM. Despite the fact that the entire day is considered auspicious, the best time to perform the puja is in the afternoon.
2. What is the significance of Basant Panchami?
Every year on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Magh month Shukla Paksha, Basant Panchami is commemorated, as it is believed that Goddess Durga gave birth to Goddess Saraswati. The event also kicks off the preparations for Holi, which takes place after the Saraswati Puja has been completed for forty days.
3. Which goddess is Worshipped on Vasant Panchami?
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, language, music, and the arts. She represents all forms of creative energy and force, including longing and love.
4. Which colour should we wear on Saraswati Puja?
People opt to honour the goddess by wearing traditional yellow apparel and accessories during the puja. In Hindu tradition, the colour yellow is thought to symbolise knowledge, learning, and happiness.