Basant Panchami is a Hindu festival, celebrated during Spring usually in February. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this auspicious day, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, and learning. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutes celebrate this day throughout India. Students pray to the Goddess to excel in academics, art, and music.
Though different states across India may celebrate the festival differently, some common trends remain constant. Women are usually seen wearing a yellow sari, the color the Goddess wears. Yellow is an important color because, during festival, the mustard crop is often harvested. Different types of Karnataka Sweets are prepared as well and offered to Maa Saraswati and “prasad” is distributed.
The Significance of Festival
Basant Panchami ( also known as Vasant Panchami ) is an auspicious day to start new things in life. Many people shift to a new house on this day, “Grihapravesh”, start a new business or undertake important projects. This festival is often associated with prosperity and good luck. With Basant Panchami, it is believed, that spring starts, a good time for crops and harvest. After the chilly winter, The festival is regarded as the first day of Spring, a time for harvest. Since India is predominantly an agricultural country, it makes sense that this festival holds quite an important place in the hearts of Indians.
Basant Panchami in Karnataka
In Karnataka, Saraswati puja isn’t synonymous with Basant Panchami. They celebrate it to mainly honor the Gods that have blessed them with good crops and a bountiful harvest. Different delicious dishes are prepared, payasam is quite common. The whole family usually comes together to celebrate the festival.
It is not only celebrated at home, but all learning centers arrange to conduct this puja. Students and others are invited and offered prasad. For Hindus, all across India, Basant Panchami is quite an important day for different reasons. Some celebrate it to honor Goddess Saraswati, while others celebrate the harvest and the onset of Spring.