Saraswati Puja is an important festival in the Nepali community. It is the festival of auspicious times. This day is also called Basant Panchami because it is celebrated on Magh Shukla Panchami, the day of the beginning of Basanta Rreetu's “Spring Season”. During the festival, we worship the “Vidya ki Devi” Goddess of knowledge Saraswati.
About Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja is celebrated especially by the communities who believe in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. According to these religions, Saraswati is considered to be the deity of art, music, learning, and wisdom. Saraswati is only an important reflection of human life. Who teaches us to walk on the path of knowledge. Teaches us to use the power of intellect and conscience. So, Saraswati Puja is not a festival of any particular community or religion. This is the festival of the entire human community. Which makes people realize knowledge and wisdom at every step.
The day of Puja of Saraswati is considered best for starting any new work. Therefore, on this day, it is customary for small children to start their journey to school with a copy and a pen. The greatest wealth of students is knowledge. Everyone is a student in life. Learning new things, starting new work, and promoting one's originality/creativity is the process of life itself. It is connected with Saraswati. Saraswati is only a reflection of knowledge. It believes that no auspicious time is needed to start any work on this day. Knowledge and skills are the most precious wealth of man. Which we should always worship. On this day, students worship their books, pens and pens. Musicians celebrate Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami by worshipping their instruments. The main attraction of this festival is worshipping all the tools associated with their skills and knowledge.
Saraswati Puja date in Nepal
Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the Shukla Panchami day of Magha month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Different religious texts explain this day in different ways. According to Hindu tradition, this world was created by Brahma. When he created everything in the world. At that time there was no speech in those things. Brahma was not satisfied with his creation. Saraswati was born there. It is said that Saraswati filled the entire soul with speech. It is also said that this festival is celebrated on the eve of Saraswati's birth anniversary. According to Hindu mythology, the powerful Lord Bishnu, Shiva, and Brahma also used to worship Saraswati for knowledge and wisdom.
It is named Basanta Panchami as the season of Basant starts from that day. It falls at the end of January or the beginning of February in the English month. The Saraswati Puja date was on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Similarly, The Saraswati Puja date is on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January | 26, Thursday |
| 2024 | February | 14, Wednesday |
Spring season is considered the king of seasons. In this season, nature presents its true beauty. At this time, every grown thing fills itself with new enthusiasm and energy. So this is the beginning of a new step. This day inspires people to go ahead on a new journey to a new destination.
Saraswati Puja Celebrations
Saraswati is considered the goddess of knowledge & learning. Traditionally, She is worshipped by reciting various streams, hymns, and verses. Students worship the books, the copies, as they consider their book as a form of Saraswati. There are famous temples of Saraswati in Nepal like Hanuman Dhoka, Swayambu, and Lele (Lalitpur).
People go to worship in that temple. Musicians worship musical instruments. Almost every school in Nepal has a temple of Saraswati. Students of every school participate in school and perform puja. Devotees pray to the idol of Saraswati to gain more knowledge and wisdom. Then, It also takes blessings from Goddess Saraswati, who is the centre of divine power. Many schools in Nepal conduct admission campaigns for children on this day. It is believed that by enrolling in school on the day of Saraswati Puja, children will always focus on reading and writing. On this day, People worship Saraswati, Bishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, and Surya (Sun). On this day, various verses of Saraswati Mata are recited and worshipped with their meaning.
On the day of Saraswati Puja, many people start a new business and implement a new plan. Similarly, National Book Day is celebrated in Nepal on Saraswati puja day. After worshipping Saraswati through various rituals, devotees eat fruits and special dishes as prasad.
Significant of Basanta Panchami (Saraswati Puja)
People celebrate the Basanta Panchami on the day of Saraswati puja. This day has many names Shree Panchami, Basant Panchami, and Saraswati Puja. This culture has been going on since ancient times and shows special importance in our society. This festival, celebrated by different names in different parts of the country, is very reasonable and religious. This day is called Basant Panchami as the season of Basant starts from this day. Our culture, traditions, and festivals have taught us to worship all living and non-living things. Similarly, this is also a day to worship knowledge.
Facts you need to know about Saraswati Puja
Here are the some interesting fact about Saraswati Puja.
- Basanta / Shree Panchami: Saraswati Puja is also known as Shree Panchami and Basant Panchami.
- Season Change: It is an important day in terms of seasons and time changes. It is believed that the spring season has arrived from this day.
- A day to worship knowledge and learning.
- Many schools in Nepal conduct admission campaigns for students on this day as well.
- Devotees flock to Saraswati temples in various places in Nepal. Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, Lele in Lalitpur, and other places are crowded on this day.
- Holi festival falls 40 days after Basant Panchami.
