The auspicious and vibrant festival of Saraswati Puja, also known as Basant Panchami, has arrived. This festival celebrates Mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. This festival also marks the beginning of spring season. Every year, Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magha which falls in January or February. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and on this day people worship the goddess, who is a symbol of knowledge, education, creativity and music.
This year, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 14. Panchami Tithi will start at 2:41 pm on February 13 and end at 12:09 pm on February 14.
Importance of Basant Panchami
This festival marks the beginning of spring season, so the color yellow plays an important role on this day. People often wear yellow clothes and offer yellow food to the deity. This color also symbolizes prosperity, optimism, energy and positivity. On this day, while worshiping the Goddess, people offer flowers, fruits and sweets as well as pens, pencils and books. Flowers like marigold, jasmine and rose are offered to the goddess as they are considered pure and auspicious.
method of worship
It is suggested to dress the Lord in yellow color on this day. And then offer flowers, fruits and sweets. Mostly yellow flowers are offered to the goddess. After this, devotees burn camphor and incense sticks and pray to the goddess for prosperity. Additionally, people offer new stationery and apply tilak on them and pray to the goddess for prosperity and wisdom.
Food and Basant Panchami
Like any other festival, Basant Panchami is also incomplete without a delicious dose of fruits and sweets. On this auspicious day, some food items are prepared which are mentioned below. To keep an eye.
Ber
It is a seasonal fruit and is offered to Goddess Saraswati. It helps rejuvenate skin, heal wounds and promote digestion.
Carrot
Carrots are also offered to the Goddess. It is rich in beta-carotene, which helps in reducing cholesterol and improving eyesight.
A dish in South Asian cuisine made of rice and lentils
In some parts of India, Khichdi is also served as an offering to the Goddess.
Bundi
These small sweet balls made of gram flour, edible colors and sugar syrup are offered to the Goddess as bhog.
Rice with jaggery
Made of rice, jaggery, water, milk and ginger, it is a healthy dish offered to Goddess Saraswati.
Panchamrit
It is a healthy mixture made of curd, milk, ghee, honey and basil leaves which is offered to the goddess on this auspicious day.