Vasant Panchami, also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami, is a special day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, arts, science, and technology. On this auspicious day, people across India worship Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings and guidance in their pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
One of the most significant rituals of Vasant Panchami is the initiation of education for children, known as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana. Schools and colleges organize special pujas in the morning to invoke the blessings of the Goddess for the students. It is believed that worshipping Saraswati on this day can help eliminate lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance, and bring about a sense of enlightenment and clarity.
The timing of Vasant Panchami is determined based on the Panchami Tithi, which is the fifth day of the lunar fortnight. The auspicious time for Saraswati Puja falls during the Purvahna Kala, which is the period between sunrise and midday. Astrologers consider Vasant Panchami as an Abujha (अबूझ) day, which is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures and undertaking important tasks. Therefore, the entire day of Vasant Panchami is considered favorable for performing Saraswati Puja.
However, it is important to note that the Panchami Tithi may not prevail throughout the entire day on Vasant Panchami. Hence, it is advisable to perform the Saraswati Puja within the time when the Panchami Tithi is prevailing. This ensures that the puja is conducted during the most auspicious period.
For Vasant Panchami 2024, the recommended Muhurat for Saraswati Puja is from 07:01 AM to 12:35 PM. The Panchami Tithi begins at 02:41 PM on February 13, 2024, and ends at 12:09 PM on February 14, 2024. It is advisable to consult the local Panchang or astrologer to confirm the exact timings for your specific location.
During the Saraswati Puja, devotees set up a beautiful altar adorned with flowers, fruits, and other traditional offerings. They offer prayers to the Goddess, seeking her blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and success in their academic and creative pursuits. Students often place their books, musical instruments, or other tools of learning near the altar as a symbol of their dedication to their studies.
Apart from the puja, Vasant Panchami is also a time of cultural celebrations. Many schools and colleges organize cultural programs, where students showcase their talents in music, dance, and other artistic disciplines. It is a joyous occasion that celebrates the spirit of learning and creativity.
On this day, people traditionally wear yellow attire, as it symbolizes the blossoming of spring and the vibrant energy associated with the festival. Yellow sweets, such as saffron rice or boondi laddoos, are prepared and shared as prasad among family and friends.
Saraswati Vandana
Saraswati Ya Kundendu is the most famous Stuti dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and part of the famous Saraswati Stotram. It is recited during Saraswati Puja on the eve of Vasant Panchami.
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना॥
या ब्रह्माच्युत शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा॥१॥
शुक्लां ब्रह्मविचार सार परमामाद्यां जगद्व्यापिनीं।
वीणा-पुस्तक-धारिणीमभयदां जाड्यान्धकारापहाम्॥
हस्ते स्फटिकमालिकां विदधतीं पद्मासने संस्थिताम्।
वन्दे तां परमेश्वरीं भगवतीं बुद्धिप्रदां शारदाम्॥२॥
In conclusion, Vasant Panchami is a significant festival that honors Goddess Saraswati and promotes the pursuit of knowledge, arts, and sciences. It is a time for students to seek the blessings of the Goddess and embark on their educational journey with renewed enthusiasm. Let us embrace the spirit of Vasant Panchami and celebrate the power of knowledge and creativity in our lives.
