What is Vasant? – Vasant is the “spring season” and Vasant Panchmi is also known as Basant Panchmi and Shri Panchmi. Vasant panchmi marks the start of spring season in India as it is the first day of the season. Vasant is the King of all seasons as the weather is pleasant and calm and it is free from the deadly hotness of summer, chilling coldness of winter, as well as the we don’t need to worry about the rain also. Shri Krishna has described this season as the flowering season.
When is Vasant Panchmi celebrated ? – Vasant Panchmi is celebrated on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month “Magh”, which is falling on the 28th of January in 2012. On this day, men and women get dressed in yellow dresses; even the food is given yellow colour by adding saffron in it.
Who is Goddess Saraswati ? – Vasant Panchmi is also known as Saraswati day as it is said that on this day God Brahma created Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, to make the world bright by spreading the light of knowledge and intelligence and removing the darkness of ignorance. Goddess Saraswati has a Veena in her hands and that is why she is also called “Veena Vandini” also. The vehicle of Goddess Saraswati is White Swan which represents purity.
What is the importance of Saraswati day? – On this day, the temples of India have a lot of activities as many offerings are made to Goddess Saraswati and many parents start their kid’s school life from this day so that the kid can get Goddess Saraswati’s blessings. Many academic institutions organize functions in honour of Goddess Saraswati and literary functions also. Every person who wants to be learned and spiritually enlighted want the blessings of Goddess Saraswati as in India the learned man gains more importance than even the Kings as it is said that the King will be respected only in his Kingdom but the learned and spiritually enlighted man will be respected not only all over the world but also by the GODS.
God of love Kamdeva is also worshipped on this day and also offerings to ancestors (Pitr-tarpan) are also made on this day.
Happy Vasant Panchmi to everyone.
