Vasant or Spring is the king of all seasons.
It is a festival for Hindus which is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Indian month of maagh (January / February).
Winter is just over and shrubs, plants and flowers spring forth, may be this is the reason why this time is called 'spring'
Vasant Panchami is birthday of Goddess Saraswati, who is goddess of learning, wisdom, fine art, music, poetry, literature, spiritual knowledge etc.
On this occasion, Goddess Saraswati is worshiped and if a child is about to begin formal education he is initiated (Diksha) on this day. In olden times child's tongue was in-scripted with 'Om' with golden pen dipped in honey. Similarly those who wish to learn music, start music training on this auspicious occasion.
Goddess Lakshmi is also remembered on this day (as well as on Deepawali). As she is the goddess of wealth hence this day is also called 'Shree Panchami', 'Shree' signifies beej mantra of Goddess Lakshmi and 'Panchami' is fifth day.
Every house hold celebrates this festival with sweets. People visit each others house and take the blessing of the elders and exchange sweets.
Yellow is the colour of season, as it is colour of gold hence this colour signifies bounty of the season.
Vasant Panchami is more of a festival of fun and frolic rather than rituals.
While vasant panchami is celebrated more in the northern India but Bengal too celebrates it in a big way. In Bengal idols of Goddess Saraswati are taken out in procession and then later immersed in holy Ganges. In some parts of India, married women observe fast for happy married life.
On this day the newly harvested crop is offered to the family deity (Isht Dev) and only after this ritual it is taken for consumption of family and for commercial sale.
Beej Mantra : 'Om Een (Saraswati) Hreen (Lakshmi) Kleen (Kali) Chamundaye Vichaye' is chanted on this occasion as well as Diwali and Navratri by house holders.
Gayatri Mantra : is the sum of Vedas and Gayatri is mother of Vedas (Ved Mata Gayatri), Gayatri is also called Saraswati and Savitri. Om is essence of Gayatri mantra and essence of Vedas. Om is special name of God.
On Vasant Panchami as well as on all special days, Hindus chant 'Om' which is the most sacred and pure form of remembering The All Mighty
Saturday, October 24, 2009
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