Basant Panchami or Shree Panchami which is dedicated to goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art and music by offering several types of elements on Monday, Feb.3, 2025, in Kathmandu. Photo credit: Idol Kids Zone.
Shree Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, the festival brings people together with prayers, music, and rituals. People across the country celebrate Basanta Panchami every year on the fifth day of the Hindu calendar of Magh month of Bikram Sambat, typically in January or February.
As the goddess of wisdom and creativity, Saraswati is particularly worshiped by writers, artists, journalists, teachers, and students. It celebrates the idea that knowledge and creativity are essential for all. This day marks the beginning of longer days and the arrival of the spring season, and the new beginning which is why it is also called Basant Panchami. It is believed that beginning education on this day leads to success in learning. Temples of Saraswati across the Nepal are witnessing large crowds of devotees, especially students, from early morning.
On this day the Nepal Army plays a beautiful melody called ‘Basanta Shrawan’ at Hanumandhoka Durbar, the historical old palace and World Heritage Site of Kathmandu, declaring the day as auspicious and greeting the spring season on the horizon. Historically, Basant Panchami and the worship of Saraswati were connected to Nepal and India's agricultural cycles as well. Similarly, the Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity Manjushree as Saraswati, serves as a major attraction. Both Hindus and Buddhists gather there to promote harmony. Likewise, Muslim community also celebrates as the Sufi Basant.
The Essence of Saraswati: Why We Celebrate
This festival is not just about religious observance; it's about recognizing the importance of knowledge in our lives. It encourages us to reflect on how learning and art enrich our experiences, whether in school, learning a creative hobby, or simply trying to understand the world around us. Goddess Saraswati represents much more than just a deity in the Hindu faith. She is the personification of wisdom, the driving force behind our ability to reason, think, and create. The festival is a way for students, teachers, artists, and anyone who loves learning to seek blessings for success in their efforts.
We celebrate Saraswati praying (puja) to honor Goddess Saraswati and ask for her blessings on learning success and creative abilities. This day emphasizes the importance of education in life. The toddlers join kindergarten school as most commercial academies render free admission to those enrolling on this day.
How We Celebrate: Rituals and Traditions
There is a belief that Shree Panchami is considered an auspicious day for initiating an undertaking or business, weddings do not require an astrologically determined time on this day. It is also considered auspicious to initiate children into learning and perform ear and nose piercing ceremonies on this day.
People celebrate with vibrant yellow flowers because yellow symbolizes the joy of life, good fortune, and the essence of spring. Then, people offer what they value most: notebooks, pencils, books, pens books, musical instruments, and art supplies. These items are placed at the foot of the goddess to receive the blessing and showing a commitment to learning and creation. It is a way to say, "I am here to grow, and I am asking for guidance." Tantric practitioners also worship her as ‘Tara Devi’ for spiritual attainment. The heart of the rituals involves chanting mantras and prayers praising the virtues of Goddess Saraswati.
Today, schools and other learning centers become centers of cultural activities. Students participate in performances, showcasing their music, dance, and speaking skills. It is not just about showing talent; it is a way to express gratitude for the gift of learning. Schools and educational institutions will organise Saraswati puja on their school premises to worship the goddess Saraswati. It is a tradition for children to write their first letters on this day, a meaningful beginning to their education.
A child writes in front of the Goddess Saraswati and it is belief and customary for children to write their first words for education growth. Photo credit: Nagariknews.
It's a way of believing in the power of education to open doors for future opportunities.
The Impact of Saraswati Puja on Learning and the Arts
Saraswati Puja strongly influences education and the arts. The festival emphasizes the value of knowledge and creativity to society, reminding us to respect the work of teachers and artists and acknowledge how much learning can change lives.
The festival also celebrates various art forms, such as music, dance, and writing, which inspires us to embrace our creative side and see the depth that art brings to our lives. Saraswati puja encourages us all to explore the potential of the human mind and heart and support the growth of knowledge and creative expression. It is a call to recognize the power within each of us to learn, create, and contribute to the world around us.
Saraswati puja has a significant effect on culture. It promotes the values of learning and respect for the arts, and through shared rituals and celebrations, it creates a sense of community.
The goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and learning, who is depicted as having a fair complexion, holding a ‘veena’ (lute) and a book in her hands. Photo credit: PrabhuMahalaxmi Life Insurance Limited.
Basant Panchami or Shree Panchami which is dedicated to goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art and music by offering several types of elements on Monday, Feb.3, 2025, in Kathmandu. Photo credit: Idol Kids Zone.
Shree Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, the festival brings people together with prayers, music, and rituals. People across the country celebrate Basanta Panchami every year on the fifth day of the Hindu calendar of Magh month of Bikram Sambat, typically in January or February.
As the goddess of wisdom and creativity, Saraswati is particularly worshiped by writers, artists, journalists, teachers, and students. It celebrates the idea that knowledge and creativity are essential for all. This day marks the beginning of longer days and the arrival of the spring season, and the new beginning which is why it is also called Basant Panchami. It is believed that beginning education on this day leads to success in learning. Temples of Saraswati across the Nepal are witnessing large crowds of devotees, especially students, from early morning.
On this day the Nepal Army plays a beautiful melody called ‘Basanta Shrawan’ at Hanumandhoka Durbar, the historical old palace and World Heritage Site of Kathmandu, declaring the day as auspicious and greeting the spring season on the horizon. Historically, Basant Panchami and the worship of Saraswati were connected to Nepal and India's agricultural cycles as well. Similarly, the Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity Manjushree as Saraswati, serves as a major attraction. Both Hindus and Buddhists gather there to promote harmony. Likewise, Muslim community also celebrates as the Sufi Basant.
The Essence of Saraswati: Why We Celebrate
This festival is not just about religious observance; it's about recognizing the importance of knowledge in our lives. It encourages us to reflect on how learning and art enrich our experiences, whether in school, learning a creative hobby, or simply trying to understand the world around us. Goddess Saraswati represents much more than just a deity in the Hindu faith. She is the personification of wisdom, the driving force behind our ability to reason, think, and create. The festival is a way for students, teachers, artists, and anyone who loves learning to seek blessings for success in their efforts.
We celebrate Saraswati praying (puja) to honor Goddess Saraswati and ask for her blessings on learning success and creative abilities. This day emphasizes the importance of education in life. The toddlers join kindergarten school as most commercial academies render free admission to those enrolling on this day.
How We Celebrate: Rituals and Traditions
There is a belief that Shree Panchami is considered an auspicious day for initiating an undertaking or business, weddings do not require an astrologically determined time on this day. It is also considered auspicious to initiate children into learning and perform ear and nose piercing ceremonies on this day.
People celebrate with vibrant yellow flowers because yellow symbolizes the joy of life, good fortune, and the essence of spring. Then, people offer what they value most: notebooks, pencils, books, pens books, musical instruments, and art supplies. These items are placed at the foot of the goddess to receive the blessing and showing a commitment to learning and creation. It is a way to say, "I am here to grow, and I am asking for guidance." Tantric practitioners also worship her as ‘Tara Devi’ for spiritual attainment. The heart of the rituals involves chanting mantras and prayers praising the virtues of Goddess Saraswati.
Today, schools and other learning centers become centers of cultural activities. Students participate in performances, showcasing their music, dance, and speaking skills. It is not just about showing talent; it is a way to express gratitude for the gift of learning. Schools and educational institutions will organise Saraswati puja on their school premises to worship the goddess Saraswati. It is a tradition for children to write their first letters on this day, a meaningful beginning to their education.
A child writes in front of the Goddess Saraswati and it is belief and customary for children to write their first words for education growth. Photo credit: Nagariknews.
It's a way of believing in the power of education to open doors for future opportunities.
The Impact of Saraswati Puja on Learning and the Arts
Saraswati Puja strongly influences education and the arts. The festival emphasizes the value of knowledge and creativity to society, reminding us to respect the work of teachers and artists and acknowledge how much learning can change lives.
The festival also celebrates various art forms, such as music, dance, and writing, which inspires us to embrace our creative side and see the depth that art brings to our lives. Saraswati puja encourages us all to explore the potential of the human mind and heart and support the growth of knowledge and creative expression. It is a call to recognize the power within each of us to learn, create, and contribute to the world around us.
Saraswati puja has a significant effect on culture. It promotes the values of learning and respect for the arts, and through shared rituals and celebrations, it creates a sense of community.
The goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and learning, who is depicted as having a fair complexion, holding a ‘veena’ (lute) and a book in her hands. Photo credit: PrabhuMahalaxmi Life Insurance Limited.