Basant Panchami is a festival that is celebrated in India to honor Goddess Saraswati. She is the symbol of wisdom, learning, art and music in the Indian sub-continent and Hindu culture. It is therefore also called Saraswati Puja in many parts of the country. The auspicious occasion also marks the arrival of spring in India, for ‘Vasant’ literally translates to ‘spring’ and since it falls on the fifth day of the Hindi month of ‘maagh', it is called ‘panchmi’. The festival of Vasant Panchami also marks the starting of Holi or Holika, which takes place after forty days of this festival. Vasant Panchami is thus the harbinger of spring and also announces the arrival of the festival of colors, Holi in the Indian subcontinent.
The legends associated with Basant Panchami are multiple and one of the most prominent tales include Lord Shiva, his consort Goddess Parvati and Kama- the God of pleasure and erotic love. According to the story, Goddess Parvati sought Kama Deva's help to awaken Shiva from the state of deep meditation. At the behest of Parvati, Kama Deva used a bow made of sugarcane and aimed an arrow of flowers at Shiva to draw his attention towards the physical world. This action taken by Kama enraged Lord Shiva, and he opened his third eye to burn Kama Deva into ashes. Subsequently, Rati, Kama’s consort, performed copious amounts of penance to sought Lord Shiva's blessings to resurrect her husband's life. In a nutshell, the event symbolizes the return of Shiva from the state of Vairagya or dispassion to Grihastha or household. The festival is thus associated with harvest and bringing home food. The color yellow, which is worn largely on this day is also associated with the harvest of mustard. Yellow colored food items are also cooked to mark the auspicious day and offer sweet food preparations to Goddess Saraswati.
Another legend associated with the festival is that of Kalidasa and his wife. The legend associated with the festival says that Kalidasa was left by his wife, who was a beautiful princess. He decided to kill himself because of the unbearable sadness that accompanied the separation. When he was about to commit suicide by drowning himself in a river, Goddess Saraswati emerged from the waters of the same river and asked him to bathe in it. When Kalidasa took a dip in the river its waters granted him wisdom, because of which he became a famous poet who was celebrated throughout the world.
Celebrations of Vasant Panchami are elaborate and this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show throughout the country. People all over India celebrate the day by wearing yellow colored clothes, eating and distributing sweets, decorating their homes with yellow flowers and other accessories. Some people also observe a fast on this day.
In Punjab, people fly kites that signify freedom and joy. In Maharashtra, newly-weds offer their prayers at a temple, wearing yellow clothes, on their first Vasant Panchami together. In Rajasthan, people wear jasmine garlands to celebrate the day. In West Bengal, artists worship their tools in front of Goddess Saraswati for she is the Goddess of arts and craftsmanship. Students all over the country offer their stationary to Saraswati, and it is customary to read or write on that day. Since the pandemic has taken over all of us, it is difficult to meet and celebrate the festival with our loved ones. It is, however, easy to send our wishes to our beloved people virtually. So here some wishes and messages that will come in handy.
Wishes and messages for Basant Panchami
I hope Goddess Saraswati showers on you her choicest blessings and grants you great wisdom for the journey of life. Happy Basant Panchami! Celebrate the arrival of spring with your family and thank God for all his blessings. A very happy Basant Panchami to you and your loved ones! Goddess Saraswati is here to shower on you abundance, prosperity, love and her blessings. Happy Basant Panchami to you and your family! Fly kites, sing happy folk songs and celebrate the efforts of our farmers today and every day. Happy Basant Panchami to you! May God bless you and your family with wisdom, good health and prosperity. Sending you the warmest greetings of the day! On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Sending warmest greetings of the day! Love, celebration, prosperity and new beginnings. May this spring bring you immense joy and love. Happy Basant Panchami to you and your family! Harness the best of everything for yourself and your family on this day. Happy Basant Panchami to you and your family!
