Basant Panchami marks the soon arrival of the spring season which is known as the “King of all seasons”. Both the words have their own meanings, Basant denotes spring while Panchmi is the fifth day of the Magh in Hindu calendar.
It is celebrated forty days before the spring season blooms fully and also marks the start of preparation for Holi and the end of winter season. People celebrate it in various ways depending on the region. This festival has different meanings to different cultures. In the Southern region it is known as Sri Panchmi but one thing remains common in every region. Want to know what it is?
For many Hindus, Basant Panchami is the festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, language, music and all arts. It is believed that on this day Goddess Saraswati was born to Goddess Durga.
A popular belief says that Maharaja Ranjit Singh encouraged people to celebrate Basant Panchami by giving Rs. 2000 to Haramandir Sahib (Golden Temple) to distribute langar. He and his queen celebrated the occasion by flying kites. The Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was happily married to Mata Jeeto Ji in Guru Ka Lahore near Anandpur Sahib on this auspicious occasion.
Also, Haqiqat Rai, a martyr who was given choice between converting to Islam or be finished to death was executed in Lahore during Zakariya Khan’s Governorship.
Thinking of Basant Panchami, the color yellow strikes our mind, which symbolizes prosperity and the ripening of crops and fruits. Also, this is the answer to what remains common in every region- the color YELLOW. It can also be related to the scene of bright yellow flowers of mustard crop dominating the Indian fields. People dress in yellow saree or shirts or accessories, turban to bring this occasion to life.
Holy places like temples and gurudwaras experience heavy rush on this occasion. People visit Gurudwara Dukhnivaran Sahib, Patiala where this auspicious occasion is celebrated with utmost joy and pleasure.
Temples are crowded with devotees offering ladoo to Goddess Saraswati. Bihar lingers with the aroma of kheer, malpua and Bundi which is offered to Goddess Saraswati whereas Bengalis offer Baer and coconut.
Punjab sees it as a festival of flying kites without which it is incomplete. Some believe that this is an auspicious day to begin something new, like getting married or introducing children to reading and writing.
Numerous fares are also set up with various stalls like food, rides, clothes, toys, etc, which attract children. A feeling of joy sweeps over people on such occasions.
Every festival has its own unique delicacy in every region. Basant is not an exception.
Sweet dishes with saffron like sweet rice with dry fruits, kesari bhat, kesar halwa, rava kesari, rajbhog and also khichdi are made and consumed as a part of the feast. These delicacies are easy to make and yummy to eat.
Parijai celebrated Basant Panchami in a GREEN way by holding an online contest on the theme “Basant ” with the aim of creating a community of like minded people and promoting the “Every Corner Needs A Plant “ concept. Passionate green lovers created miniature and mini gardens with the best possible accessories to match the theme and the occasion. It was an immense pleasure to witness the never ending creativity and the ideas behind them.
Nature prepares itself for a full bloom as we celebrate its arrival, bringing new hope. It’s such an immense pleasure to witness the beauty of nature. It then seems that nature is elated to be back after the cold.
Basant marks the time when the flora is set free from the freezing winter fogs and is allowed to bloom in pleasant weather. Each element of Earth yawns and wakes up to life. Let’s keep this Green Beauty alive forever and ever, so that we don’t lose the joy of watching the beautiful sight of Mother Nature.
Tell us in the comments how you celebrated your Basant Panchami. Was it with nature or cooking something yummy? Do let us know.
Wishing you all a Very Happy Basant Panchami!
