Basant Panchami 2025: Here's why Saraswati Puja is also celebrated as Bengali Valentine's Day

Basant Panchami 2025: Vasant Panchami, derived from 'Vasant' meaning 'spring' and 'Panchami' signifying 'fifth', marks the arrival of spring on the fifth day of the Hindu lunar month of Magha (usually falling in January or February in the Gregorian calendar). This festival signifies the transition from winter to spring, symbolising renewal and rejuvenation.

It is a day dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and the arts. Devotees seek her blessings for enlightenment and intellectual growth.

Across India, people rise early and dress in yellow, a colour believed to be favoured by Goddess Saraswati. They share yellow sweets and snacks and participate in puja rituals to honour the deity.

When is Basant Panchami in 2025?

In 2025, the auspicious day of Basant Panchami also celebrated as Saraswati Puja will be celebrated on February 2nd.

Valentine¡¯s Week 2025: Day-wise list

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In 2025, Valentine¡¯s Day falls on Friday, February 14. The entire week, often called "Valentine's Week" or "Love Week," begins with Rose Day on February 7 and ends with Valentine¡¯s Day on February 14. Before Valentine's Day, people celebrate the themed days of Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, and Kiss Day. Each day carries a special meaning and adds to the excitement of expressing love.

Celebrations in Bengal

In Bengal, Saraswati Puja is observed with grand decorations, with traditional alpana artwork adorning homes. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and homemade sweets like naru, moya, chal makha, and dal makha are presented to the Goddess, followed by the distribution of prasad among neighbours. The festival is a vibrant affair, with young people dressing in traditional ethnic attire, adding a festive touch to the celebrations.

Why Is It Called the 'Bong Valentine¡¯s Day'?

Vasant Panchami, known as Saraswati Puja in West Bengal, is eagerly awaited by students across the state. In Kolkata, it is affectionately referred to as 'Bong¡¯s Valentine¡¯s Day'. The occasion sees young couples dressed in traditional outfits, often in shades of yellow, strolling hand in hand through the city.

Valentine¡¯s Day in Bengal

In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is fondly called 'Bong¡¯s Valentine¡¯s Day' due to the romantic atmosphere that permeates the city. Across Bengal, young couples can be seen elegantly dressed in traditional attire, walking together and enjoying the celebrations, adding a touch of romance to the festivities.

The Origins of 'Valentine¡¯s Day' in Bengal

On Saraswati Puja, students follow the tradition of placing their textbooks, notebooks, pens, and study materials before the Goddess, believing that she will bless them with academic success. This also grants them a well-deserved break from their studies.

For many years, single-gender schools have been the preferred choice for education in Bengal, with even prestigious institutions catering exclusively to either boys or girls. It was once widely believed that not securing admission into a single-gender school meant attending a co-educational institution. However, Saraswati Puja alters these norms, as groups of boys visit girls¡¯ schools and hostels, and vice versa, to witness the pujas.

This day allows for a more relaxed social environment, with students mingling freely, chatting, sharing meals, joking around, and capturing moments in photographs¡ªall without societal restrictions.

Saraswati Puja, therefore, becomes a rare occasion when students from different institutions can take a legitimate break from academic and familial responsibilities, embracing a day of friendship, fun, and cultural festivities.

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