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Vasant Panchami - Known as Basant Panchami or even Shree Panchami
Vasant panchami is celebrated by the Hindus
Vasant panchami falls on the fifth day of Magh month according to the Hindu calendar which is the beginning of spring
Mythological Significance
Vasant panchami is festival which is devoted to goddess Saraswati, wife of Lord Braham the creator of the Universe. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of music, art and knowledge. As per the traditions on this very day small Children are taught to write down first word of their life. Along with goddess Saraswati, god of love Kamadeva is also worshipped on this day.
Yellow color plays a vital role in celebrating this festival; hence people prefer to wear yellow color cloths on this day. On this very day the idol of goddess Saraswati is decorated with white sari and gold jewelries holding a "veena" a musical instrument in her arm, a book in her left lower arm, in the right arm is the chinmudra, in right upper arm is the Aksharamala and one more Amirthakalasam in her left arm. There is a white swan next to the idol of goddess which symbolizes purity and discriminating this is the Satwa Guna. This day is also called as a day of Saraswati, which is celebrate as the birthday of goddess Saraswati. She is worshipped for sacred illumination, which is a great wealth to human beings.
Vasant is a season in which the nature is at its best and beautiful. During this time the flowers are bloomed and trees sprouts new shoots. In this period the environment is fresh all over as the nature is regenerating everything new. There is a tradition to wear new cotton cloths on Vasant panchami. The lady of the house sets the mood for this festival by wearing a yellow sari. Even sweets that are prepared at home are yellow in color.
Celebration of Vasant panchami
On this day small children write the first word of their life, this day is regarded as the most fortunate day for children as they begin the education on this very day. Big educational institute conduct special puja's on this day. All the musical instruments are kept in the feet of goddess Saraswati as to take the blessing of the goddess. Books, pens, pencils and all the studying materials are placed in front of goddess Saraswati and are offered Puja. Hence forth they are worshipped and respected for the rest of the year.
Celebration according to states
West Bengal and Orissa
The Bengalis and the Orriyan get together and merge an idol of Goddess Saraswati. There are special puja's organized by the people on Vasant panchami. After the Puja is over there is lunch arranged for the devotees. Books, pens, musical instruments, and many other such things that are related to art are placed in the feet of goddess for here blessing.
Punjab
It is well-known as Basant panchami in Punjab. Flying kites on this day is the main attraction of Punjab. Normally the clean blue sky on this day is filled with colorful kites.
Traditional food
The traditional food that is prepared on the occasion of Vasant panchami is the sweet yellow rice. This rice is made of saffron and lots of dry fruits.
This festival is most religious and spiritual festival where all the Hindus come together and celebrate with great enthusiasm.
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