Vasant Panchami
Wednesday 14th February 2024
“OM AIME SARASWATYAI NAMAHA”
‘Diwali’ – the festival of light – celebrates Maa Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. ‘Navaratri festival celebrates Maa Durga, goddess of power and valour. Vasant Panchami celebrates Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts.
This festival is celebrated every year on the 5th day or ‘Panchami’ of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha, which falls during January-February. Vasant Panchami initiates the spring festive cycle and heralds its summation that occurs with Holi. Thus, the planting of ‘Holika’ also takes place on this date.
It is believed that on this day Goddess Saraswati was born. Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami with great fervour in temples, homes and even schools and colleges.
Maa Saraswati’s favourite colour white assumes special significance on this day. The Universal Goddess is dressed in white clothes and is worshiped by devotees adorning white garments. Maa Saraswati is offered sweets which are given away as ‘Prasaad’ to everyone attending the pooja ceremonies.
The most significant aspect of Vasant Panchami is that, it is also the most auspicious day to begin laying one’s foundations of education – of how to read and write. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day. All Hindu educational institutions conduct special prayer for Maa Saraswati on this day.
Spend the day in HER adoration and worship. EVERY HINDU should at least perform Aarti on that day, to the Universal Mother, who unceasingly blesses us with Knowledge.
With Love at HER Lotus Feet,