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KarmaVaani

Festival · January–February

Vasant Panchami

Also known as Saraswati Puja

The first day of spring, given to Saraswati, goddess of learning, music and the arts.

A stack of old books, a wooden veena neck and a writing slate surrounded by yellow mustard flowers and yellow marigolds, bright spring morning light

Vasant Panchami falls on the Shukla Panchami of Magha and marks the arrival of spring. It is dedicated to Saraswati, and students, musicians and artists place their books and instruments before her. Yellow, the colour of mustard flowers in bloom, is worn and offered.

Why it is kept

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, speech and the arts, and this day is held to be the best day to begin learning.

Step by step

How to observe it

  1. Worship Saraswati

    Her image is dressed in white or yellow and offered yellow flowers, and books, pens and instruments are placed before her.

  2. Begin a child’s learning

    Young children write their first letters, often in rice or on a slate, in a ceremony called vidyarambha or akshar abhyasam.

  3. Wear and cook yellow

    Yellow clothes are worn, and saffron rice and yellow sweets are offered and shared.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Fasting

Some students fast until the puja; it is not required.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.

Traditions

  • Saraswati puja
  • Wearing yellow
  • Beginning a child’s learning
  • Kite flying in Punjab