In Hindu the word “Basant” means “Spring” and “Panchami” means “The fifth day”. This is a time when nature awakens from its sleep, and the fields are enhanced with the vibrant yellow color of mustard flowers, which is why the festival is known as the “Festival of mustard flowers”.

Basant Panchami 2024: Importance

Basant Panchami festival is connected with the goddess of learning, Saraswati. On this occasion, people pay their respects to the goddess and search for her blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and learning. Saraswati is also often represented as a beautiful woman with four arms, holding a book, and a rosary and people often wear white clothes on Basant Panchami to represent purity and learning.

In various parts of India, flying kite is a famous activity on Basant Panchami. People of all ages, including children, fly kites on Basant Panchami to celebrate the beginning of spring and clear blue skies. The colorful kites flying high in the sky are a beautiful sight to look at and add to the festive spirit of the day.

Another important aspect of Basant Panchami is the traditional food that is prepared for the festival. In Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, people made sweet dishes such as kheer, a sweet pudding made from rice and milk, and kesar pista, a sweet dish made from saffron and pistachios.

Basant Panchami 2024: Timings

The Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami in 2024 falls on 13, February, Tuesday.

Muhurat for Puja: 06:53 to 12:11

Basant Panchami Madhyana starts at: 12:11 PM

Starting time of Tithi: 04:11 AM on Feb 13, 2024

Ending time if Tithi: 01:39 PM on Feb 14, 2024

Basant Panchami is also an important festival for farmers as it marks the beginning of the rabi crop season.

Basant Panchami 2024: How to perform Saraswati puja

Clean and assemble the puja space: Clean the area where you are going to perform the puja. Decorate the area with flowers, rangoli, and other items that are considered auspicious.

Set up the holy place: Place an idol or image of goddess Saraswati on a clean and decorated holy place. You can also use the picture of goddess Saraswati. You can offer flowers and fruits to the goddess Saraswati.

Perform puja: Start puja by lighting a Diya (Lamp) and incense sticks. Chant “Saraswati Mantra” or “Saraswati Vandana” to request the blessings of the goddess.

Offer prayers and perform the aarti:  Offer prayer to the goddess Saraswati and perform the aarti by lighting Diya and circling it around the image of the goddess Saraswati while singing devotional songs.

Perform the Haldi Kumkum ceremony: Offer Haldi (Turmeric) and Kumkum (Vermilion powder) to the goddess Saraswati as a symbol of respect and devotion.

Distribute prasad: After the puja is completed, distribute prasad among family members and friends as a sign of sharing the blessings of the goddess Saraswati.

Conclude the puja: Close the puja by offering your final prayers to the goddess Saraswati and convey gratitude for her blessings.

It is important to understand that this is a general guidance, and the particulars of puja may vary depending on the regional customs and personal beliefs.

Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami is also celebrated as the birthday of the goddess Saraswati. It is also considered an auspicious day to start new things and new skills on this day.

Shop them here: https://dhwaniastro.com/categories

Read more:  https://dhwaniastro.com/blog/sakat-chauth-2024

Check your horoscope here: https://dhwaniastro.com/blog/today-s-horoscope-astrological-prediction-for-19-january-2024-

For more such content, visit Dhwani Astro (Instagram @dhwaniastro), and for personal clarifications book a consultation at www.dhwaniastro.com