BASANT PANCHAMI AND GODDESS SARASWATI

HOMAGE PAID TO GODDESS SARASWATI
MOTHER OF KNOWLEDGE AND MUSIC

www.thehimalayantimes.com - In Kathmandu, Hindu devotees today observed the Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, by worshipping Saraswati, regarded as the goddess of learning, across the county. Students, teachers, musicians, artists and others worshipped the goddess. The kids, who are about to enroll at school, were made to scribble letters today with a belief that the goddess bless them as they seek knowledge. Devotees and students were seen thronging various Saraswati temples in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country since early morning.
According to the Hindu calendar, the day also marks the end of the winter and beginning of the spring season. Panchami also celebrates the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, the mother of wisdom, learning, speech and music. In this festival, kite flying competitions are organised with the participation of national and international competitors.

Basant Panchami is a festival considered especially significant for lovers of art and education. On this day, yellow coloured dishes are made in many northern regions of India.  Yellow flowers are seen the most during Vasant Ritu (spring season). This time, mustard crops are full grown and yellow colored flowers blossom on it. Basant means a sort of intoxication. The Colour of Basant  - or Basanti colour - is a colour in the mid of yellow and orange. Hence, considering the relevance of yellow color, many people eat food of this color and wear yellow coloured clothes. 
The day of Basant Panchami is considered to be the beginning of life. Spring season is the season of rebirth and bloom, the time when fields of yellow mustard charm everybody's heart.   Wheat crop starts swinging like gold. Colorful flowers starts blossoming. The day of Basant Panchami is celebrated as the welcoming of colors and happiness.

The festival of Basant Panchami (Vasant Panchmi) is the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. This festiva is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Shukla Paksha of Magh month (between the months of January and February in Gregorian calendar). On this day Lord Vishnu, God Krishna-Radha and Mother Saraswati - the Adhisthtari Devi of Vedas - the Goddess of education and learning, are worshiped with yellow flowers, Gulaal, water offerings, incense, lamp, etc. As per the tradition, yellow and sweet rice and yellow coloured Halwa are offered to God in the pooja and then eaten as Prasadam. This festival is especially celebrated in North India with full glee and delight. 

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis. ... Vasant Panchami is known as the festival of kites. It is celebrated towards the end of winter in the month of January-February, especially in the northern parts of India. The weather changes from harsh winter to soft spring or "Vasant". Vasant is the time when the mustard fields are abound with their yellow flowers that seem to usher in spring. So Punjabis welcome the change and celebrate the day by wearing yellow clothes, holding feasts and by organizing kite flying. Vasant Panchami day puja (worship) is devoted to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Learning. She bestows the greatest wealth to humanity - the wealth of knowledge.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Hindu Festivals"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/hindu_festivals.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/