Basant Panchami, also called Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Panchami, is a festival that celebrates the start of spring. It will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This important day honors Goddess Saraswati, who symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, music, and art. It is also known as Shri Panchami, and people across India celebrate it with devotion and joy.

The festival happens on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, when mustard flowers bloom, which represents the color yellow. On this day, people pray to Goddess Saraswati for success in studies and creative activities. A key tradition is Akshar-Abhyasam, where children begin to learn.

Many think that Vasant Panchami is a good day to start new projects. Schools and colleges often hold special prayers to ask for the goddess's blessings for knowledge and success. Overall, Vasant Panchami is a happy celebration that promotes learning and creativity while welcoming the lively energy of spring.

The fourth royal bath of Maha Kumbh will take place on Basant Panchami. Here's why this bath is special.

Right now, the Maha Kumbh Mela is happening in Prayagraj. This event occurs every 12 years. It started on Paush Purnima and will continue until February 26, Mahashivratri. There will be a total of 6 baths during Maha Kumbh. So far, the royal baths on Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti have happened. The third royal bath will be on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, 2025. The fourth royal bath on Basant Panchami will be on February 3, 2025. This Maha Kumbh is particularly significant this time because it falls in a special alignment that happens once every 144 years.

Here are the details for the Basant Panchami royal bath in 2025:

Event: Basant Panchami Royal Bath
Date: Sunday, February 3, 2025
Time: 07:09 AM to 12:35 PM
Duration: 5 hours 26 minutes
Madhyahna Moment: 12:35 PM
Panchami Tithi Begins: 09:14 AM on February 3, 2025
Panchami Tithi Ends: 06:52 AM on February 4, 2025

Vasant Panchami: Importance

Vasant Panchami is an important festival in Hindu culture. It celebrates the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, also called Saraswati Jayanti. This day is considered lucky for starting new things, especially in education. People pray to Goddess Saraswati for blessings of knowledge, creativity, and wisdom. It is also thought that praying to her can help get rid of ignorance and laziness.

This festival is especially important for children. Many families hold ceremonies like Vidya Arambha (starting education) or Akshar-Abhyasam to help kids begin their learning journey. Schools and colleges often have Saraswati Puja ceremonies to ask for blessings for students and teachers.

Saraswati Puja vidhi, rituals and samagri

On Saraswati Puja day, people wake up early, take a bath, wear yellow and white clothes, and worship Goddess Saraswati. They place an idol or picture of the Goddess in their worship area, wash it with Ganga water, and dress her in yellow.

Then, they offer yellow flowers (like marigold), rice, white sandalwood, yellow powder, incense, and yellow sweets. They light a lamp, sing prayers, chant mantras, and perform aarti. People also place their notebooks, school supplies, and other learning tools in front of Goddess Saraswati to pray for her blessings. Those in art fields, like music and dance, also worship their instruments.

Vasant Panchami 2025: Celebrations in India

Basant Panchami is celebrated with enthusiasm all over India, with each state having its own special customs. Here are some key celebrations:

• West Bengal and Bihar: People honor Goddess Saraswati with yellow flowers, sweets, and other gifts.
• Odisha: Students and teachers join in rituals, and young children start their formal schooling on this day.
• Punjab: Sikhs enjoy Basant Panchami with kite-flying contests and other fun activities.