Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, also referred to as Vasanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja in homage to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, marks the start of spring. Indian religions observe the festival in a variety of ways depending on the region. Moreover, Vasant Panchami marks the start of the forty-day countdown to Holika and Holi. The Vasant Utsava (holiday) on Panchami is observed forty days before spring since every season transitions for 40 days before reaching its apex.

History

According to Lochan Singh Buxi, the Chishti order has observed Basant Panchmi since since some Indian Muslim Sufis used it to commemorate the Muslim Sufi saint Nizamuddin Aulia’s burial in Delhi in the 12th century. History records that Maharaja Ranjit Singh organised an annual Basant fair and made kite flying a common occurrence during fairs hosted in the 19th century, which also included fairs held at Sufi shrines. On Basant, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his queen Moran would fly kites while dressed in yellow.

Exclusive to Vasant Panchami

Hindus celebrate Basant Panchami, a springtime holiday, typically around February. On this auspicious day, people worship Goddess Saraswati, the deity of study, music, and knowledge. This day is observed by schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across India.

Vasant Panchami customs

In the evening, the goddess’ statues are also submerged in the water. Vasant Panchami, like Lohri, is a harvest celebration in Punjab and Haryana. On Vasant Panchami, a lot of people may be seen in these states flying kites while dressed in yellow. Hindus perform the Saraswati Puja: Vasant Panchami is observed by Sikhs and Hindus as the beginning of the spring preparations.

Depending on the region, different ways are used by people to remember it. Vasant Panchami also signifies the beginning of the forty-day countdown to Holika and Holi. The celebration known as Vasant Panchami is one that many people observe in honour of Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and all the arts. She embodies a variety of creative forces and energies, such as desire and love. The time of year and the festival also fall during the maturing of the mustard crop, which golden blossoms Hindus identify with Saraswati’s preferred colour of yellow due to their association with golden flowers. They dress in yellow saris, blouses, or accessories and share presents and goods in that colour.Some people cook saffron-infused yellow rice and eat it as part of a luxurious meal. Many families gather on this day to sit and encourage their young children to write their first words with their fingers. Others collaborate to study or create music. The day before Vasant Panchami, Saraswati’s temples are filled with food so she can take part in the traditional feasting the following morning. The yellow-clad statues of Saraswati are worshipped at temples and educational institutes. Several universities do morning pujas or specific prayers to beg the goddess’ favour. Saraswati-related poetry and music activities take place all over.

In Sikhism:

In the past, Namdhari Sikhs have observed Basant Panchami to signify the arrival of spring. Some Sikhs happily celebrate it as a spring holiday by donning yellow clothing to mimic the vivid yellow mustard blooms in the fields. The Sikh Empire’s first ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, promoted Basant Panchami celebrations as a social occasion in the Gurdwaras. He donated 2,000 rupees to the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara in Amritsar in 1825 CE so that it could provide meals. He organised an annual Basant festival and regularly featured kite flying as a sponsored event. On Basant Panchami, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his queen Moran would wear yellow attire and fly kites. On Basant Panchami, Maharaja Ranjit Singh also held a ten-day long darbar or court in Lahore where soldiers would don yellow uniforms and display their military prowess.

The Basant Panchami festival is observed in the Malwa region with kite flying and the donning of yellow clothing. An annual Basant Panchami fair takes place in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. Attendees at the fair wear yellow clothing, turbans, or other accoutrements. Sikhs also commemorate the martyrdom of the young kid Haqiqat Rai, who was detained by the Muslim ruler Khan Zakariya Khan on Basant Panchmi after being wrongly accused of insulting Islam. In Lahore, Pakistan, on the Basant Panchami of 1741, Rai was executed for refusing to accept Islam after being offered the option.

On Basant Panchami, Nihangs travel to Patiala and dress in pink and yellow for Vaisakh.