Vasant Panchami 2021: Assam to Celebrate the festival of Saraswati Puja

Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm and spirituality. On this day, tradition is to worships 'Maa Saraswati'. In 2021, Vasant Panchami will be celebrated on February 16th. But as per the Hindu Calendar, the festival is observed on the fifth day i.e. Panchami of the Hindu month of 'Magha'. In India, it is also observed as the commencement of the spring as the word 'Vasant' means spring, and 'Panchami' means the fifth day.

The Significance of Vasant Panchami

On this day, the deity 'Maa Saraswati' is being worshipped which a lot of devotion especially by the students and youths as Maa Saraswati is believed to be the idol of Knowledge, art, music, and culture. Sarawati itself means the Goddess of Knowledge and wisdom. She was believed to be born on this day and is also said to be 'Mahavidya'; the giver of all forms of knowledge. People usually perform Saraswati Puja during Purvahna Kala, which is the time between sunrise and midday.

Another popular history related to the day is that it is celebrated to honour the legendary poet Kalidasa. As per folklore, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day.

This day, Vasant Panchami is being observed in several parts of our country with different rituals and traditions. It is celebrated as the Vasant Festival of Kites in the Punjab region; observed in Gurdwaras as a Sikh festival, the birthday of the Sun God in Bihar, and in parts of Rajasthan, people can be seen wearing jasmine garlands on this day.

The Saraswati Puja festival is related to several histories. Another interesting story related to this day is the story of Shringara Rasam, which is all about love, attraction, and beauty. As per Hindu Mythology, it was on this day when Kamadeva was brought back to life when he was transformed into ashes by Shiva; all because Kamadeva's wife Rati did an arduous 40 days of penance to bring her husband back. So, this is why the god of love and desire, Kamadeva is worshipped with his wife Rati on Basant Panchami.

How is Vasant Panchami Celebrated?

Many Hindus are of the belief that yellow is the favourite colour of Goddess Saraswati and that why yellow is the colour of dresses that are bought for this festival. This yellow colour also signifies the beautiful mustard field full of yellow flowers. Some people add saffron to the rice and make it yellow to celebrate this festival.

In the Eastern states of India, Saraswati puja is being celebrated with a lot of excitement and devotion especially in West Bengal and Assam. Every school, college, film studio, musical institutions, dance schools, and every other institution associated with knowledge and creativity celebrate Saraswati Puja to seek the blessings of the Goddess. Even Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped in respective homes. People take bath early in the morning with neem and haldi and fast for the puja. Young students bring their books and keep them near the idol. Similarly, musicians keep their instruments near the goddess. People also visit the temples of Goddess Saraswati and worship her. The females of all ages wear sarees especially of yellow or white colour and men usually wear dhoti-kurta or kurta-pyjama. This worshipping is followed by a cultural program of song and dance. Post that the customary "Khichuri" or Khichdi is prepared that is served with brinjal fry and cabbage.

That Khichdi is also known as "Bhog" (Prasad) which is quite delicious. All the winter season vegetables are used to prepare this dish, Khichdi. During Saraswati puja in Assam and Wast Bengal, people create Pandals and lighting and celebrate this festival. Young people loiter around with friends and families doing pandal hopping and savour various dishes and spend the entire day doing 'Adda' which means get together and spending time with friends and close ones.

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