Today 16th Feb 2021 , Vasant or Basant Panchami is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Magha, which typically falls early in February between winter and summer seasons, Vasant ritu called spring season in English, Vasant Panchami is the festival of changing seasons in India.
The color of Basant is yellow which symbolizes peace, prosperity, light, energy and optimism. Therefore, people wear yellow clothes and make traditional delicacies in yellow hues.
On this day we pray mata Sarasvati for intellectual blessings and wisdom!
ॐ सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि । विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा
ज्ञान की देवी माँ सरस्वती को मेरा नमस्कार, वर दायिनी माँ भगवती को मेरा प्रणाम । अपनी विद्या आरम्भ करने से पूर्व आपका नमन करती हूँ , मुझ पर अपनी सिद्धि की कृपा बनाये रखें ।
“Saraswati namastubhiyam var de kaamrupuni vidyaramambham karishayami siddhirbhavatu amy sada”
Salutations mother Sarasvati, giver of boons, fulfiller of desires, bless me so that I begin my studies successfully, may there be accomplishments.
Detail explanation:
- Saraswati: Goddess Saraswati, deity ruling over the realm of intelligence
- Namastubhyam: Salutations to you
- Varade: Giver of Boons, Vara=Boon
- Kama-Roopini: She who brings desires to fruition; kama=desire, roopa=form/manifestation
- Vidyarambham=Beginning of Studies; Vidya=Education/ studies; Arambham=beginning
- Siddhi=Accomplishment
- Bhavatu=Happen/come to existence
I remember my childhood , when I use to do Sarasvati puja in elementary school. It was lot of fun!! used to bring sweets, flowers, fragrance sticks (agarbatti)and a photo of Saraswati ji. Entire class use to sing aarti so loud and always at the end wait for prasad!
In Bengal and Bihar almost every house on this occasion pray goddess Sarasvati and offer different kinds of food like saffron sweet rice, coconut (shriphal), fresh fruits and dry fruits.
Traditionally, in Punjab, Makke ki Roti and Sarso Ka Saag are savored. In Bihar, people celebrate Sarasvati Puja by offering delicacies like Kheer, Malpua and Bundi to the Goddess. Sondesh and Rajbhog are served as a bhog on this special day.
In Bengal and Bihar, a big statue (murti)of Mata Sarasvati Visthapit and a big procession are held, after worshiping or puja the idol of Maa Sarasvati are immersed in the holy water of Ganga with holy prayers. In other part of India mainly in south India todays day in all the temples offer neem flower or leaf powder to keep our body strong during changing seasons temperatures.
Conclusion
We pray Goddess Saraswati for intellect and wisdom and transfer this knowledge to younger generation where they can learn, pray for transferring the knowledge or rituals will keep the tradition going and beneficial for everyone!!
This festivity bring significant difference in our life where we’re not only physically healthy but strong mentally to remain happy in our life