Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring, will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This important occasion is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who represents wisdom, knowledge, music, and art. It is also known as Shri Panchami or Saraswati Panchami, and it is a day filled with devotion and celebration across India.

The festival is observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, when mustard flowers bloom, symbolising the colour yellow. On this day, people pray to Goddess Saraswati for success in studies and creative pursuits. A significant ritual is Akshar-Abhyasam, where children begin their learning journey.
Many believe that Vasant Panchami is an Abujha Day, making it a good time to start new ventures. Schools and colleges often hold special prayers to seek the goddess's blessings for knowledge and success. Overall, Vasant Panchami is a joyful celebration that encourages learning and creativity while welcoming the vibrant energy of spring.

Vasant Panchami 2025: date and time (shubh muhurat)

Vasant Panchami will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The best time to perform the Saraswati Puja is from 07:09 AM to 12:35 PM. This period lasts for 5 hours and 26 minutes. The Madhyahna Moment, which is the most auspicious time, is at 12:35 PM.
The Panchami Tithi begins at 09:14 AM on February 2 and ends at 06:52 AM on February 3. It is important to perform the puja during the Panchami Tithi, as this time is considered very favorable for worship and new beginnings according to the Purvahna Kala tradition.

Why is Vasant Panchami Important?

Vasant Panchami is significant because it celebrates Goddess Saraswati. Many people pray to her for wisdom and success in their studies and creative pursuits. This day is especially important for students, as it marks new beginnings in education. A special ritual called Akshar-Abhyasam takes place, where children learn to write for the first time. Schools often hold special prayers to seek blessings for knowledge and success.
Vasant Panchami can sometimes coincide with Chaturthi Tithi. It depends on the position of Panchami Tithi within Purvahna Kala. This day, however, remains a day of knowledge, growth, and the vibrant spirit of spring. On February 2, 2025, Vasant Panchami will be a day of devotion, learning, and new beginnings. The devotees will pray to Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and creativity to be enriched in their lives. Be it a student, an artist, or someone entering a new chapter in life, Vasant Panchami is a time when efforts are made according to the guidance of the gods and one gets to begin the year with positive energy.

Vasant Panchami History

The festival has interesting stories behind it. One story in the legends features the famous poet Kalidasa, who attempted to end his life in a river after losing his wife. At that moment, Goddess Saraswati appeared and encouraged him to bathe in the water. After his bath, he gained incredible wisdom and became a renowned poet.
Another story is of the god of love, Kama, who disturbed Lord Shiva while he was deep in his meditation after Sati's death. The seers asked Kama to wake Shiva from his deep meditation so he could notice the efforts of Maa Parvati. To do this, Kama used his sugarcane bow to shoot arrows made of flowers and beeswax at Shiva. However, this angered Lord Shiva. In his rage, he opened his third eye and turned Kama into ashes. On Basant Panchami, Shiva promised to Rati, Kama's wife, to bring him back after 40 days of penance.

Vasant Panchami rituals and festivities

Saraswati Puja: Devotees place books and musical instruments near the idol of Goddess Saraswati while praying for her blessings. Yellow decorations and clothing are common.
Vidya-Arambham ceremony: Parents introduce young children to writing, marking an important start in their educational journey.
Cultural celebrations: Schools and local groups often organise celebrations that include prayers and cultural activities.
Auspicious day for good deeds: The day is regarded as a good time for worship and performing good deeds.
Kite festival in Punjab: In Punjab, Vasant Panchami coincides with the Kite Festival known as Vasant Ritu.
Celebrations for newlyweds: Newly married couples in Maharashtra celebrate their first Vasant Panchami together by visiting temples dressed in yellow.
Jasmine garlands: In Rajasthan, people wear jasmine garlands to celebrate the festival joyfully.