Saraswati Puja 2024 On February 14: These States Will Observe Holiday On Basant Panchami

Saraswati Puja 2024 Holiday: Basant Panchami (Vasant Panchami), also called Saraswati Puja, is an important day in Hindu tradition because it's believed to be the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. Similar to how Diwali is for Goddess Lakshmi and Navratri is for Goddess Durga, Vasant Panchami focuses on worshipping Saraswati, who is highly respected as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

On this special day, people pay respects to Goddess Saraswati during Purvahna, which is the time before midday according to Hindu calendar. They dress the deity in white clothes and offer flowers, symbolising purity since white is said to be her favorite color. Sweets made from milk and white sesame are offered to her and then shared with loved ones as Prasad. In North India, yellow flowers are chosen for worship because mustard flowers and marigolds bloom abundantly during this time.

Basant Panchami isn't just about religious ceremonies; it's also when Vidya Arambha takes place, a ritual introducing young children to education and formal learning. Many schools and colleges organise Saraswati Puja as part of these celebrations, emphasising the importance of knowledge and academics.

Happy Vasant Panchami wishes image | Photo: Freepik

Although the name 'Vasant Panchami' suggests a connection to the Indian spring season, it's important to note that the day isn't always in sync with the arrival of spring. While it does sometimes coincide with spring, it's not consistent. That's why alternative names like 'Shri Panchami' and 'Saraswati Puja' are considered more suitable, recognising that Hindu festivals aren't strictly tied to particular seasons.

When is Basant Panchami 2024?

This year, on February 14th, 2024, we celebrate Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Pooja. It's an important day as it heralds the arrival of spring, a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. According to the Hindu calendar, Vasant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magh. It's a time when people worship the goddess Saraswati, seeking blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and academic success.

Basant Panchami 2024 shubh muhurat:

As we approach the festive occasion, here are some important things you should know.

According to the Drik Panchang, this year, Vasant Panchami will be celebrated on February 14. The Panchami Tithi, or the auspicious time for the occasion, will start at 2:41 PM on February 13 and end at 12:09 PM on February 14. It's a significant day in Hindu culture, especially dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, arts, and learning. Many people also mark this day by initiating their children into the world of education and learning. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the festivities and seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati on this joyous occasion!

Vasant Panchami 2024 Holiday

Various states across India have announced either a full day off or restricted holidays in schools for Vasant Panchami 2024, which falls on February 14th. Here's a state-wise list where you can expect either a holiday or a restricted holiday on February 14th for Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Pooja.

How to celebrate Basant Panchami?

Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. It typically falls in the Hindu calendar month of Magh, which usually corresponds to late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar. Here's how it's celebrated:

Worship of Goddess Saraswati:?

Vasant Panchami is primarily dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom. People worship her with devotion, offering prayers and seeking blessings for wisdom and learning.

Yellow Theme:?

Yellow holds special significance during Vasant Panchami as it symbolises the blossoming of mustard flowers during this season. People wear yellow clothes and decorate their homes and temples with yellow flowers to mark the occasion.

Feasting:?

Like most Indian festivals, Vasant Panchami is also celebrated with delicious food. Traditional dishes like kesari (saffron-flavored sweet dish), yellow rice, and sweets are prepared and shared with family and friends.

Cultural Programs:?

Many educational institutions organise cultural programs, where students showcase their talents in music, dance, and other performing arts as a mark of reverence to Goddess Saraswati.

Kite Flying:?

In some regions, especially in North India, kite flying is a popular tradition associated with Vasant Panchami. People gather on rooftops and open spaces to fly kites, adding to the festive spirit of the day.

Vasant Panchami is a joyous occasion celebrated with fervor and devotion, symbolising the onset of spring and the pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Saraswati Puja rituals:

The festival celebrates the goddess Saraswati, who is highly respected by thinkers, artists, and students as the guardian of education. People visit temples on this occasion to pay homage to the goddess, seeking her blessings for intellect, creativity, and wisdom. Yellow is closely linked with Saraswati, so many dress in yellow attire and wake up early to worship her. During the worship rituals, yellow flowers and sweets are presented to the goddess. Chanting hymns and mantras in her honor is also a significant aspect of the ceremony. This festival not only marks reverence towards Saraswati but also highlights the importance of knowledge and learning in our lives.??Special puja ceremonies are conducted in schools, colleges, and homes dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Students place their books, pens, and musical instruments before the deity, seeking her blessings for success in their studies and creative pursuits.

(Note: Before planning for Saraswati Puja, both students and parents need to double-check with their school to confirm if there's a holiday declared for the occasion.)

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