The pious and enlightened festival of Goddess Sarawati ‘Basant Panchami’ is around the corner. Now a day’s we focus more on western festivals. But let me tell our festivals are more colourful and close to nature with some life messages for our practical life as well. When we think about Basant Panchami 2018, a few things automatically come to mind – yellow flowers, yellow festive clothes and yellow sweets for performing Saraswati Puja. This day falls on the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon in the Hindu month of Magh. It is the birthday of the Hindu Goddess of Learning and Arts, Goddess Saraswati. But, as we all know, this spring festivalis not region specific, and extends far into other parts of India. So, up ahead, we are sharing interesting bits on Basant Panchami celebration in different Indian states so that you consider planning a trip when it's time to hit the road for the forthcoming celebrations.
Uttarkashi
In the upper reaches of the Himalayas, the farming community decorates the main door of their home with yellow flowers to welcome the season of sowing crops. Yellow clothes are worn, and dishes made of saffron-hued rice, which is relished to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Punjab and Haryana
Basant Panchami in these two north Indian states cannot be complete without kite flying. Spring carnivals are held at different places, women sing and dance in merriment on folk songs, and public feasts are held in Sikh Gurudwaras.
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
The patron goddess of arts and learning, Goddess Saraswati, is worshipped in every nook and cranny of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The yellow colour, known for its holiness, pervades Basant Panchami celebrations in Rajasthan and UP. The goddess is worshipped in schools, where art competitions are organised, poetry recitation and classic Basant Panchami songs are sung to honour the goddess.
West Bengal
The Bengali community, known for its sheer liking for fine arts, in all parts of India get together with enthusiasm to celebrate the festival. But, the celebrations held in West Bengal are of a different level. Grand pandals are erected for Saraswati Puja and her idol is worshipped duly with sacred rites and offerings. Articles associated with learning like pens, notebooks, pencils etc. are offered to the goddess for her blessings before they could be used by the students. On this day, children are formally inducted in to learning. Folk music fests and cultural dance programs are organised to mark the day.
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