[ Edit ] Overview

Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami is a day dedicated to 'Saraswati', the 'Goddess of learning'. The day is also called as "Sreepanchami". 'Sree' and 'Basanta' are the two words that are significant to the festival. 'Sree' represents beauty and is also another name of 'Saraswati'. 'Basanta' represents spring season and it brings beauty and pleasure to the Earth. The festival is more about welcoming beauty by worshipping the goddess.

During Basant Panchami, the images of the deity are built by clay-modelers. These people are traditional and are known for their artistic skills. These artists make lots of such images, both small and big and sell it. On the evening of the function, there are cultural events which take place as a part of celebration.

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Quick Facts

[ Edit ] When

Basant Panchami is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Indian month Magh(Jan-Feb), the first day of spring.

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[ Edit ] Duration

1 day

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[ Edit ] Where

Basant Panchami is celebrated all over India and also in the neighbouring countries of Nepal & Bangladesh

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[ Edit ] Also Known As

Basant Panchami is known by several names such as Sreepanchami, Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja.

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[ Edit ] Dedicated To

Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati

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[ Edit ] Significance

Welcoming the spring by worshipping the Goddess Saraswati

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[ Edit ] Legends/History

Goddess Saraswati has been worshipped since the age of the Vedas. During the Puranic times, the tradition became more established and the Goddess was referred to by various names. Later, a form was conceived where she rides a white swan, plays the veena and adorns a white saree, epitomizing purity. 
There have been scriptures where the Goddess has been described as the wife of 'Brahma'. It has been said that she was created by Brahma from his own intuitive powers and so she was his daughter. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe had to have learning and intellect and this need was fulfilled by Goddess Saraswati.
In certain scriptures, she is called as 'Brahmi', 'Bharati', 'Gira', 'Barnamatruka' and so on. In Vedas, she is also referred to as 'Agni' or fire. It is said that she is the source of light and knowledge.

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[ Edit ] Traditions And Celebrations

Students observe fasting and pray to the Goddess to bestow them with intelligence. They offer flowers to the Goddess and break their fast. 

In the states of Haryana and Punjab, Basant Panchami is celebrated at the end of winter. The mustard fields are in full bloom during this time. There look like yellow carpets laid out on acres of land. People wear yellow colored clothes, fly kites and have fun. People worship the Goddess and apply  teeka on the deity and on everyone's forehead. Kite flying or Patangbazi is a key event here and the skies are covered with kites of different colors and sizes. Made out of paper on a frame of bamboo strips, people spend a lot of money on kites and participate in competition held across cities. 'Yellow' dominates the festival, be it with kites or clothes. People fly kites not just during the day but even during night using search lights. This is the time when people gather together and go to the roof top, cheer the people who fly kites and have fun.

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Festival Fun

[ Edit ] Food / Recipes

People buy new clothes for the occasion and make some yummy and mouthwatering sweets. In Haryana, sweet yellow rice, flavored with saffron, is prepared for Basant Panchami.

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[ Edit ] Music / Dance

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[ Edit ] Gift Tradition

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[ Edit ] Others

Some people offer “Ber”, a fruit as Prasad for the event. Some people offer "Sangari"- a kind of bean that grows on the roots of the radish plant. 
People visit the temple, prepare sweets and spend time with the family.

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[ Edit ] Other Information

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[ Edit ] SMS Wishes

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[ Edit ] Greetings

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