Vasant Panchami - Saraswati Puja, Signifincae, Mantra and Muhurat

Vasant Panchami day is dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on Vasant Panchami day. Vasant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami.

People worship Goddess Saraswati to get enlighten with knowledge and to get rid of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance. This ritual of initiating education to children is known as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana which is one of the famous rituals of Vasant Panchami. Schools and colleges arrange pujas in the morning to seek blessing of the Goddess.

Purvahna Kala, which is the time between the sunrise and the midday, is considered to decide Vasant Panchami day. Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the day when Panchami Tithi prevails during Purvahna Kala. Due to which Vasant Panchami might also fall on Chaturthi Tithi.

Vasant Panchami Deity: Goddess Saraswati

Vasant Panchami Date and Time: As per Hindu Calendar Vasant Panchami is observed during Shukla Paksha Panchami of Magha lunar month, Feb 13, 2024 (Tuesday)

Vasant Panchami Observance: Following are the main rituals and activities which are followed on the day of Vasant Panchami - 

• Saraswati Puja at home with kids and family
• Wearing white and yellow dresses
• Offering mustard and marigold flowers to Goddess Saraswati
• Vidya Arambha for kids
• Saraswati Puja at schools and colleges
• starting new ventures especially inaugurate educational institutes and colleges
• Pitri Tarpan for deceased family members

Saraswati Puja is performed to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. She is believed to be the consort of Lord Brahma, who created the Universe with her knowledge. She sits on a swan and has a peacock on her side. She holds a Veena in her hands. Below mentioned are the ritual that should be followed while doing Saraswati Puja.

• Place an idol or a photo of Goddess Saraswati in your Puja room. The idol should be placed facing west so that when you pray, you face towards east.
• Place some of your important books along with the holy books Ramayan and Geeta by her side.
• Light a Diya in front of the idol or photo of Goddess Saraswati.
• Offer turmeric, Kumkum, fruits, sweets, rice grains, beetle leaves, flowers along with new cloth and sandalwood paste in front of the Goddess.
• Mantras of Goddess Saraswati are recited before the idol or photo of Goddess and Arati is performed with dedication and devotion.
• Students usually pray for success in exams and ultimately in life while professionals seek excellence and progress in life.