Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of Indian traditional calendar Magha, which usually falls in the month of January and February. This festival is celebrated in countries like India, Nepal and the other countries with great enthusiasm and joy. This year Basant Panchami will be celebrated on January 22, 2018. The word Basant signifies spring and Panchami signifies the fifth day. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this day. Devotees offer prayers to Goddess. This festival is usually more observed in the northern and central India. Children usually fly kites to celebrate the joy of Basant Panchami.
Yellow color is worn on this day as it signifies ripening of fruits and crops. The mustard field of North India blooms during this season giving a yellow cover to all the crops. People go to temples and wear new clothes. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on this day. According to Hindu belief, Lord Brahma created universe on this day. As other story of Basant Panchami, Lord Rama ate half tasted apple of Mata Shabari. This day is created as a new beginning of life. The season of spring is a season of rebirth and renewal. It is auspicious to wear yellow clothes on this day. This festival is celebrated mostly in cities of Punjab and Bihar. There is no fixed time of performing the Saraswati Puja but mostly devotees perform it before midday. In Bengal, usually sweet rice is offered to the Goddess. The deity is usually dressed in yellow clothes.
Ranjit Singh, the founder of Sikh religion has encouraged the people a lot in promoting the festival. This festival is celebrated in schools and colleges where the students wear new clothes of yellow color and perform different function. This day also has a significance when Parvati came to Shiva to awaken him as he was in meditation, since Maha Shivratri. This festival was initially celebrated by the Muslim community in 12th century. This festival is also considered auspicious for small children to begin reading and writing.
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