Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) 2021

16th February 2021 – India celebrated Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami, the way the religious festival is known in different parts of the country. On a lighter note, the day is also considered in (eastern India) as Bengali Valentine's Day. The fact that young girls drape themselves in bright yellow sarees and glittering ornaments; woo the guys who propose their lady loves and even spend a fun-filled time with them; has earned the name. Today I felt sharing the concept of Saraswati Puja and the way the festival is celebrated in India, to my international readers.

Childhood Recollections

Saraswati Puja had been an integral part of my life since childhood and still, it is. The fact that I am a resident of West Bengal, emphasizes it more. The festival has many memories associated with it. Waking up early in the morning for a warm water bath; since its winter in India at this time of the year. Wearing a new saree or a new dress, preferably yellow in colour.

Well, I am going to specify soon why yellow is the choice of the day. And then preparing for the rituals of the Saraswati Puja is another excitement. Normally a priest performs the puja or if the family is Brahmin, an elderly person can perform the same. The custom is to fast till the puja completes. It is traditional to prepare a special lunch and enjoy with family and friends. Different types of sweets and fruits are offered to Goddess Saraswati; the main deity of the Puja.

The Auspicious Belief

As per Hindu mythology, Saraswati Puja is popularly known as Vasant Panchami. It is believed on this day, Goddess Durga gave birth to her daughter Goddess Saraswati. She is the power behind knowledge, art, craft and music. The day marks the arrival of the spring season in India. The festival is celebrated in Nepal and Indonesia as well by the Hindu population residing in the two countries.

Another popular tradition followed during the Puja is of kids writing their first letters in front of the Goddess before starting their school.

Significance of the colour “Yellow”

Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami festival ushers in the ripening of the mustard crops. Mustard crops being yellow in colour, Hindu devotees have defined yellow to be the favourite colour of the Goddess. Hence men, women, kids, boys and girls all prefer to dress up in yellow during this festival. A popular food being cooked during the festival is Khichuri (rice and yellow lentils boiled and cooked together with a tinge of turmeric and saffron for that yellow effect). The idols of Goddess Saraswati are too draped in yellow coloured saree.

The Celebrations

Goddess Saraswati, being the deity for music, knowledge etc., is worshipped in various educational institutions, colleges and universities. Students perform musical programs involving traditional songs and dances. In various parts of India, temples worship the Goddess with devotees offering their prayers and seeking blessings of the Goddess. The households of several Hindu communities perform the Puja at their residences. You can find books or any musical instrument at the sides of the idols as a customary tradition.

Preparing and offering sweets to family and friends are performed religiously. You can find coloured and decorative floor patterns or Rangolis in the houses and the temples. It is one of the customs of any religious festival held in India. The patterns are nowadays created with either powdered colours or flowers. In ancient times rice flour mixed with water was used for the patterns. Even some households still follow the ritual. Some communities even arrange cultural programs where people join in to hear as well as perform various activities like reciting , singing songs, dancing, enacting plays etc. In West Bengal, many of the schools remain closed and even the government offices or agencies.

Om Shri Saraswatyai Namah। Anena Pujanena Shri Saraswati Devi Priyatam। Namo Namah।

Author

Kuntala

A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.

Kuntala

A blogger interested in travelling and exploring new places and sharing ideas with all. Curious about the unique features of a place and its ethereal beauty.

12 thoughts on “Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) 2021

  • February 18, 2021 at 8:40 am
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    Wow what a great festival. I’ve seen all the yellow before (gorgeous) but never even thought to ask what the significance was!

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  • February 18, 2021 at 7:27 pm
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    This is so interesting that most people wear yellow during this festival! Yellow is one of my favorite colors but I did not think about the relationship with mustard.

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  • February 18, 2021 at 8:51 pm
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    This sounds like such a wonderful festival to attend!

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  • February 18, 2021 at 10:48 pm
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    The puja was in building na? Or at home? The preparations look awesome!

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  • February 18, 2021 at 11:14 pm
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    My Mom would totally love this kind of festival especially as there is an abundance of the color yellow.

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  • February 19, 2021 at 12:10 am
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    very interesting! I love learning about Hindu traditions from you: you make it simple and easy to follow.

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  • February 19, 2021 at 12:49 am
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    I love India. They have so many tradition and culture and still doing that in this modern era. This is what makes Indian so become popular and many people from around the world want to see it.

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  • February 19, 2021 at 10:43 am
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    This post is beautiful and filled with rich Indian culture. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  • February 20, 2021 at 3:09 am
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    This is so interesting! I’ve always loved the color yellow because it brings me joy and happiness. And to think that this is thought to be the favorite color of the Goddess makes me even happier! I can see so much happiness in this celebration.

    Reply
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